By Liz Pimentel
RANGELEY – The Olympics had nothing on Rangeley’s Blueberry Festival, which, on Aug. 18, was host to another type of Olympic game: the annual Frog and Toad Jumping Contest. And what an event this was – abounding in amphibians, kids, and a good-size turnout, although no toad contestants took part this year. Andy and Dick Hall, along with this writer, officiated as judges. An official catcher did an outstanding job of returning the amphibians to their owners if they leaped out of bounds during the contest. There was even some excitement, as spectator Mimi Dugan, wearing an attractive lily-pad colored shirt, was accosted by two of the frog contestants who literally jumped all over her during the competition.
The jumpers were judged on the best of three jumps. Winners were as follows: In the medium-sixe category: The gold – First place and Best Overall – went to Owen Dugan’s frog Bob, who jumped a whopping 40.5 inches. The silver (second place award) went to Hoppy, and his trainers Josh Neil and Evan Dolinski for his 19-inch leap, and the bronze (third prize) was awarded to Andrew Kelley’s frog Jeff, springing in at 17 inches. Seth Whidden’s Bob the Frog won for being the most meditative.
In the small category, Libby Widden’s amphibian Duffo won first prize for his 16.5-inch vault, and Mariah Saglibene’s frog Pappa (named after her grandfather) was awarded Second Prize for his 10.75-inch leap.
There were six entrants in the highly competitive large category. First place went to Greenie, whose trainer was Sophia O’Brian, with a 30.5-inch hop. Max Bacon’s jumper, aptly named Bouncey Bolt, bolted over the starting line to take second place with her 28.5-inch bounce. Third place went to Greg Bacon’s entrant Mosiac Hops, leaping in at 26.5 inches. Taylor Bacon’s Froggy Phelps came in at a close 26.25 inches and won for having the biggest flippers on his back feet. Big Al, coached by Brett O’Brian, got the prize for having the most consistent jumps at 20.75, 20.75, and 20.25 inches. Jared and Gavin Paxton’s hopper Bullet won the prize for being the roundest frog.
The contest would not be a contest without awards. In the absence of actual medals, thanks go to The Alpine Shop, Books, Lines and Thinkers, Ecopelagicon, Backwoods Clothing and Embroidery, and Pine Tree Frosty for providing the prizes. Thanks to Brent Quimby and Patty Ellis for supplying buckets and nets for catching the amphibians. Thanks also to Dick and Andy for their help in running the contest, and to all the donors who gave generously to the Booster Fund. When everyone rises to the occasion, hops right to it, and jumps in to assist, the contest is a lot of fun.
