The Sierra Nevada’s are an extraordinary mountain range packed full of history and adventure. Each small town, tucked away in the vast trees, has it’s own story, festival or quirk that makes it worthwhile. One of these towns is Angels Camp California home of the Calaveras County Fair. This fair is especially exciting because it hosts the ‘Frog Jump Jubilee.’
This ‘sport’ of frog jumping is based on the book "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" a short story written by Mark Twain (who lived in these mountains). The participants catch a frog, train the frog and then (on a stage/platform at the County Fair) see how far they can get their frog to jump. Some people clap, some bang the ground, some yell- but in the end, the frog jumps. It is really interesting and fun to watch. (Click here to see a video of this Festival on Jay Leno).
Because of this exciting event the town is…frog-a-fied. There are frog statues, frog decorations in yards and on doorsteps, and frogs painted on the intersections. As we drove through this city I could not stop myself from laughing at this town’s creative way of ‘putting themselves on the map.’ It was hilarious and at the same time really interesting.
1 comment:
Looks like you guys are having a ton of fun!!
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