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Cielo Hackney, top, and his brother, Enoah, encourage their frog, Fern, to jump on Thursday, Aug. 21, during the annual Frog Jumping Contest at the Blueberry Festival at Town Cove Park in Rangeley. (Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer)

On Thursday, Aug. 21, ten hardy frogs leapt at the chance to take part in the annual Frog and Toad Jumping Contest held at the Rangeley Blueberry Festival in Town Park. The popular contest drew a big crowd who cheered and applauded each frog’s performance while nineteen “trainers” patiently awaited their competitors’ turns.

The contest rules were simple: Once frogs were placed on the ground, they could not be touched. Trainers could blow on their frogs, sprinkle them with water, or slap the ground near the frogs. Most importantly, trainers were required to return their amphibians to the exact location they were found; that’s their habitat, and they need it to survive happily.

The contestants were judged on the best of three jumps. Awards were also given in a variety of other categories.

Winners were as follows:

In the Large category (4 inches and up): First prize and Best Overall went to Lily Stevens (age 11) and her frog Fred the Second, with a whopping 37-inch jump. Second prize went to six-year-old Luke Hinojosa’s frog Blaster with a 35 3/4-inch leap. Third place went to Leo Magdefrau (age 3) and his frog Kermit, who jumped in at 30 inches. Enoah, Myuna and Cielo Hackney (ages 7, 8, and 5) entered Tie Dye, who won for being the Calmest Frog.

In the Medium category (2 inches to under 4 inches) Sophia and Mateo Quinatoa (both age 8) and their entrant Superjump won first prize for his 30 3/4-inch hop. Second prize went to Enoah, Myuna, and Cielo Hackney who entered another contestant, Fern, jumping 24 inches. Third plaace went to the Wells family’s frog Jimmy, with a 24 ¾-inch leap, entered by: Parker (8), Tyler (8), Nelida, (8), Eloise (7), Cooper (7), Rowan (4), and Neryah (4). Eight-year-old Sabrina Magadefrau’a entrant Breaststroke won for being the Most Determined. Halley and Thomas Arrington (6 and 15) entered Sprinkles who won for Most Consistent with jumps measuring 13 ½, 14 ¼, and 13 ¼ inches.

The Small category (under 2 inches) had Elliot Champ (age 4) and his amphibian Champ, who, true to his name, won first prize for jumping 18 ¾ inches).

Thanks to our local businesses for providing the prizes: Books, Lines and Thinkers, Rangeley Adventure Company, Jannace’s Backwoods, Pine Tree Frosty, Rangeley Lakes Builder Supply, and Made in Maine, as well as Leeanna Wilbur. Thanks also to Brent Quimby who supplied nets and Patty Ellis who donated buckets for catching the amphibians on site. Thank you to our judges: Juno Knox, Michael Holoszyc and Kari Silloway, and to Emil Nieser, our speedy frog retriever. Thanks to Fred Dubay for serving as official photographer.

We’re grateful to all the participants and to those who donated to the Boosters, the non-academic support for Rangeley Lakes Regional School. It was a day for kids and adults to get off their screens and for frogs (no toads this year) to show off their best leaps. When everyone hops to it, the Frog Jumping Contest is “bound” to be a success.

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