The Frog Jump at the Calaveras County Fair
May 15-18, 2025
Legends
Bill Proctor
Bill and his brother in law, Leonard held the world champion frog jump title seven times. In recent years, Bill became very active in the Frog Jump Committee. He enjoyed talking about the jumps with fair-goers and new teams at the annual fair. Bill appeared on several morning news shows. He participated in radio broadcasts to promote the Frog Jump. Bill will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. Bill shared in our legacy and will not be forgotten.
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Buck King
Buck King loved the frog jump with a passion. He was president of the Angels Camp Boosters. He fought for the authenticity of the jump. He loved visiting the elementary schools and teaching kids about frogs. He later served on the Fair Board and eventually became the Fair Manager until his retirement. In retirement he served on the Frog Jump Committee. Buck would often visit new restaurants the ask them not to sell frog legs. He has left his special mark on the event.
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Lee Giudici
Lee Guidici was from the South Bay. He taught school in Santa Clara CA. He and his founding frog team members, Bill Guzules and Denny Matasci hosted a frog jump at Sutter Elementary School. The event is still part of the school's tradition. In 1986 Lee and his frog Rosie the Ribeter set an new worlds record, 21' 5 3/4" . The record still holds today. The world champion frog jump team still competes annually and is raising the next generation to compete.
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Casey Nash
Casey Nash won the Frog Jump in 2014. He grew up jumping frogs. His grandfather Jerry Heintz was a member of the Angels Camp Boosters. His parents are founding members of the Calaveras Frog Jockeys. Casey left us too soon but his smile will remain in our hearts.
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Denny Matasci
Denny won the Frog Jump in 1972, 1976 and 1995. He was part of the world champion team, Guzules, Guidici and Matasci. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Denny is part of our history, our legacy, heritage and will not be forgotten.
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Keith Bibee
Mr. Keith Bibee had volunteered at the annual frog jump for more than 20 years.
Keith was a decorated veteran, husband, dad, grandpa, artist, sign maker and frog jump enthusiast. Keith had painted many signs for the fairgrounds. However, he is most cherished for heading up the midnight raiders who paint the frog on Highway 49. In 2022, his son Jake was part of the team.
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Gerald Heintz
Gerald Heintz was one fo the founding members of the Angels Camp Booster Club. He assisted with the Frog Jump competition for decades. Now his daughter Shana is on the Frog Jump committee and two of his grandchildren Casey and Bria have one the event.