Mark Twain's 1865 short story, The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County provided the setting.  In 1928 the Calaveras County Fair at Angels Camp, California (about 100 miles east of San Francisco) brought the contest to life.  The all time record jump is 21',5.75".  There is a $5,000.00 prize for anyone having a frog that will jump a greater distance than the present record.  Each year the first place winner receives $750.00.

Springfield has been the site of the Governor' Annual Frog Jump Contest since April 5, 1969.  In 1967 South Carolina's first Governor's Frog Jump contest was held.  A Springfield frog won the 1968 contest.  At the time, Mayor O.K. Furtick requested that Springfield be awarded the honor of hosting the 1969 event, and South Carolina General Assembly  approved Mayor Furtick's request.

The contest has been held in Springfield each year since then.  Therefore, 2005 marked the 39th anniversary of the Governor's Frog Jump, with Springfield hosting it for the past 37 years.  Not bad statistics, especially when one considers that Springfield has hosted the South Carolina event almost half of the 76 years the National contest has existed.

Prior to 1969 there were very few festivals in South Carolina sponsored by small towns.  Now, one must choose an event among several offered on any given weekend between March and November.  Springtime seems to be the favorite time of the year in South Carolina for festivals.  Of course, at that time of the year plant and animal life springs forth by leaps and bounds (pun intended) and everyone is more than ready to shed the imagined, or real, stress of our moderately cold winter months. 

In addition to the main event of jumping the frogs, the event also offers the popular Egg Hunt for children nine and under.  For the child in everyone, the International Egg Striking Contest  creates a lot of interest.  The boiled egg that remains unbroken by the tapping from other eggs entered in the contest is declared the winner.

Other events offered during the annual Frog Jump weekend might include Arts & Crafts, Sling Shot Contest, Cow Drop, Horseshoe contest, and always, a lengthy and interesting Parade before noon on Saturday.  The evening usually winds down with one or two local bands and a small street dance.  Be sure to check the schedule for each year's event.

Everyone is welcome to participate in any of the events.  Visitors will also find more than an adequate supply of foods, from funnel cakes, hotdogs, hamburgers and Bar-B-Que to fried mushrooms.  And there is always a small carnival offering a selection of rides.  Or, just walk around and chat with visitors.

The occasion brings many relatives and friends home for the Easter weekend to visit with local residents.  But, visitors will find a relaxed, safe and welcome atmosphere.  You have to be somewhere on Frog Jump Weekend--MAKE IT SPRINGFIELD!

The Jumping of the Frogs, Egg Striking Contest, and the Egg Hunt are all held on the Saturday before Easter Sunday each year.  For official information or questions please contact TOWN OF SPRINGFIELD, PO BOX 31, SPRINGFIELD, SC  29146-0031.  Physical address:  811 Springfield Rd.  Phone: 803 258 3152 M-F.