Inspired by Mark Twain's 1865 tale The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, the old California Mother Lode town of Angels Camp has for the past 43 years sponsored an annual frog-jumping contest. The occasion, reeking of rustic America, always draws entries from across the nation, including those of Governors, Senators, Congressmen and their toadies.
This year more than 2,000 frogs were sent to participate, but as a festival of American folklore, the jump developed some ugly warts. About 76,000 visitors descended on Angels Camp. There were fights, stabbings, seven auto wrecks, 21...
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