The Frog Jump at the Calaveras County Fair
May 13-16, 2026                             

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.

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Dave Gallagher

 

Dedicated Member of the Frog Jump Family

Dave Gallagher was a cherished and dedicated member of the Frog Jump Committee whose love for the tradition of frog jumping was evident in everything he did. Dave especially enjoyed visiting local schools, participating in the annual Capitol Frog Jump, and overseeing the beloved Frog Spa. He took tremendous pride in caring for the frogs and making sure they received the best possible attention. One of his greatest joys was welcoming visitors to the Frog Spa, sharing his knowledge, and helping others appreciate these remarkable little athletes.

Dave was also passionate about the volunteers who helped make the Frog Jump possible. He made it a priority to spend time with as many volunteers as he could, sharing his knowledge, offering guidance, and teaching them everything they needed to know about frogs.  His enthusiasm, dedication, and willingness to share his knowledge made him an invaluable part of the Frog Jump family. Dave's contributions went far beyond caring for frogs; he helped preserve a treasured Calaveras County tradition and inspired others to carry it forward.

Dave's legacy will always be a special part of the Frog Jump Jubilee.