Herps in Society and Culture: "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County"

Growing up, one of the most told tales at our local library was that of "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County". Perhaps this was because of my hometown's ties to the celebrated frog jump just 10 miles away in the neighboring town of Springfield, South Carolina. If you've never heard the story about the jumping frog, it should be one you check out soon. We've all heard of Mark Twain and his infamous stories, but Twain first became known due to this short story. In "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County", a man named Jim Smiley is known for making ridiculous bets on anything possible. One day he came across a man and bet him $40 that his frog, named Dan'l Webster, could out-jump any frog in Calaveras County, California. The man agreed to this bet if he was given a frog. Smiley agreed to find him a frog and while doing so left the man with his frog, Dan'l Webster. In the time that Smiley was away, the other man fed Dan'l Webster lead pellets that would weigh him down and secure him the $40. When Smiley returned with a frog for the man, they then let the bet begin. The man's frog began jumping, and not surprising, Dan'l Webster did not move. After the man collected his winnings and went on his way, Dan'l Webster coughed up a few of the lead pellets and Smiley realized that he had been cheated. 
While this was just a short story, Cavaleras County Fair incorporated an official frog jump in 1928 and by 1930 it became an annual event. Today the Cavaleras County Fair Frog Jump is a 4 day event with its 4th day consisting of the 50 top jumpers from the previous competition days. Among the competitors in the frog jump is a representative for the state of South Carolina. Every spring, South Carolina holds the official Governor's Frog Jump in Springfield, South Carolina to determine who will represent our state at the next Calaveras County Frog Jump. The Governor's Frog Jump has grown to become a huge festival every year and is the pride of Springfield. 
Protection of welfare of Californian bullfrogs is a result of the California Fish and Game Commission in 1933 Frog Welfare Policy adopted in 1995.  
Overall, I think having local frog jump is a great way to keep traditions and folklore alive as well as getting people out and about looking for frogs. However, it is important to return frogs to their proper homes after the events have taken place. The Calaveras County Fair and Frog Jump is the third weekend of May, so if you ever find yourself in this area at this time, check it out!

 http://thetandd.com/lifestyles/cow-drop-dance-usher-in-frog-jump-weekend/article_6f1a9f27-5ef2- 5188-9f9d-55c71ccef112.html

References: 
http://lace23.wixsite.com/frogjump/history
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Celebrated_Jumping_Frog_of_Calaveras_County