Rangeley’s Frog Jumping contest was ‘ribbeting’

By Liz Pimentel

RANGELEY — Where else can your child get completely unplugged for an afternoon, learn a little about amphibians and the environment, and take part in a fun, non-competitive activity run completely by volunteers and supported by donations? All of that happens at the Frog and Toad Jumping Contest held annually during the annual Blueberry Festival.

Rangeley once again demonstrated its willingness to come together for the benefit of the community by providing one of the most enjoyable and unique events of the summer. The contest held Aug. 17 abounded in amphibians, including one solitary toad, 30 contestants aged 3 to 43, and a good-sized audience. Andy and Dick Hall, along with this writer, once again officiated as judges. Catchers Braiden Thompson and Leigh Archambeau did an outstanding job of returning the amphibians to their owners if they leaped out of bounds during the contest.

The jumpers were judged on the best of three jumps in small, medium and large categories as follows:
Small — First place went to Feisty and his 14-year-old trainer Sarah Olson, with a 17 1/4-inch jump. Second prize was awarded to Tiny, whose trainer was 11-year-old Jocelyn Guy, with a 16-inch hop. Leigh Archambeau’s jumper, aptly named Mommy, took third place with her 13 3/4-inch leap. Leigh also caught four out of the family’s five frog contestants.

Medium — First prize and Best Overall, Libby Whidden, 10, and her frog McDuffo, who jumped a whopping 41 inches. Second place award went to Blue Dugan for his 38 1/2-inch leap and his trainer, Owen Dugan, 9, last year’s Best Overall winner. Incidentally, Blue Dugan was the official Blueberry Festival frog, because he is uncommonly blue. Third prize was awarded to Kaleb Thompson, 7, and his frog Bull, springing in at 37 inches.

Large — This highly-competitive category saw a tie for First place at 34 1/2-inches between 11-year-old Faith Olson and her frog Grend, and four-year-old Violet Orr and her frog Jonathan. Eben LaLiberte, 7, and his entrant, Freddie the Frog, were awarded second prize for Freddie’s 27 1/2-inch leap. Michelle Cerminara, 6, and her frog Jumper came in third.

Other prizes were awarded as well. Most Jittery frog went to Neville, entered by Julia Lyons, 10, and Friendliest Frog to Grant, entered by Grant Archambeau, 5. Five-year-old Emil Nieser’s Lloyd won for being the only toad; Skylar Thompson, 3, and Frogelina won for being the littlest. Most Alert Loner prize went to Peppy, entered by Evan Dolinski, 9. Tiniest to George and his trainer Larry Guy; biggest feet to Jeffrey and his seven-year-old owner Braiden Guy; Freckles, coached by Caroline Willis, age 6, got the prize for having the most consistent jumps at 16 inches each; shortest hop to Will Lyons, 8, and Froggy, at five inches; cutest to Taylor and trainer Taylor Archambaeau, 9; prettiest eyes went to Evan and trainer Evan Archambeau, 8; Evan’s dad, Curt Archambeau, and his hopper Daddy won the prize for being the oldest and greenest.

Big Kahuna, trained by Seth Whidden, 12, was named most likeable; most active went to Fibo and trainer James Mannette, 18; happiest to eight-year-old Sam Morrill’s frog Green Morrill; prettiest ears went to Pica and trainer Alex Turnbull, 5; pokiest to Silas and 4 1/2-year-old George Olson; greenest face to Jackie Chan and his owner, Kim Pong; highest hop to Lucy and owner Olivia Heatley, 5; fastest hop to Braylon Heatley, 7 and his frog Hoppy.

PHOTO CAPTION: First overall winner Libby Whidden, 10, sporting her prize — a winner’s hat — for her frog McDuffo’s 41-inch leap. (Dick Hall photo)