Sacramento – Lawmakers, aides to constitutional officers and capitol reporters took a break from their busy day to participate in the annual Capitol Frog Jump.  Hosted by the region’s state senator Dave Cox, the competition drew an enthusiastic crowd to promote the annual Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee <http://www.frogtown.org/> .

“This lighthearted lunchtime tradition is a fun way for elected officials to come together and help promote the Calaveras County Fair,” said Senator Dave Cox whose district includes Calaveras County. 

In the Legislative & Public category, Assemblyman Jim Beall, Jr. (D-San Jose) whose frog “Alcohops” jumped 9’ 2” took first place. Secretary of State Debra Bowen’s “Tad Poll Worker” leaped 10’ 2” to grab the top spot for the Constitutional Officers category. 

Last year’s winner in the press category – KFBK’s “Gordon Jump” made an admirable effort to defend his title but came up short.  The green and gold trophy went to “Bubba,” jockeyed by James Myers of Capitol Television News Service, who jumped 8’ 11”. 

Senator Dave Cox’s “Small Town Max” made a decent effort and jumped 7’ 5”.

Began in 1928, the frog jump was inspired by Mark Twain’s fictional work, “the Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.” The Calaveras County Fair adopted the Jumping Frog as their theme ten years later.  This year’s fair will run from Wednesday, May 14th – Sunday, May 18th in Angels Camp.