When it comes to probing the prowess of animal athletes, biologists could take a lesson from the frog jockeys of the Calaveras County Fair
THE Calaveras County Fair is much like any other rural country show; there are fairground rides, prizes for the best livestock and a children's parade. Many come simply to sit around, drink beer and enjoy the early summer sunshine. But the undisputed highlight is the annual Jumping Frog Jubilee.
Inspired by the story that launched Mark Twain's literary career, in May every year, the small town of Angels Camp in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada pays homage to the jumping prowess of the humble green bullfrog. It is a four-day tournament, but Sunday afternoon provides the climax when crowds from across California file on to makeshift seating around a central outdoor stage to witness the year's top crop of "frog jockeys" do battle in a ...
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