Travel & Outdoors

Leap Frog: Valley City Hosts Annual Frog Jump Event

One of Northeast Ohio's quirkier events showcased hundreds of leaping frogs this past weekend. Photos by Matthew Chasney

by Cleveland Magazine Staff | Jul. 24, 2023 | 2:41 PM

Matthew Chasney

Matthew Chasney

Valley City's frogs had hops this past Sunday, when they competed in the town's annual Frog Jump event.

Since 1962, the small Northeast Ohio town has hosted the fest — initially finding inspiration from the Mark Twain tale "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County," according to the Valley City Frog Jump website.

The tradition has continued ever since — and grown in popularity, drawing thousands of visitors in every summer.

Check out photos of the 2023 Frog Jump below:

Valley City Hosts Annual Frog Jump Event, Matthew Chesney

Aliyah Duplaga waits her turn to jump Goliath at the 2023 Valley City Frog Jump Festival.

Valley City Hosts Annual Frog Jump Event, Matthew Chesney

Valley City Hosts Annual Frog Jump Event, Matthew Chesney

Valley City Hosts Annual Frog Jump Event, Matthew Chesney

Valley City Hosts Annual Frog Jump Event, Matthew Chesney

Ribs are served on the Midway at the 2023 Valley City Frog Jump Festival.

Valley City Hosts Annual Frog Jump Event, Matthew Chesney

Blake Pracko at the face painting booth at the 2023 Valley City Frog Jumping Festival.

Valley City Hosts Annual Frog Jump Event, Matthew Chesney

The officiating booth at the 2023 Valley City Frog Jump Festival.

Valley City Hosts Annual Frog Jump Event, Matthew Chesney

Seville Mayor Carol Carter enjoys a laugh after judging the 2023 Valley City Frog Jump Festival.

Valley City Hosts Annual Frog Jump Event, Matthew Chesney

Valley City Hosts Annual Frog Jump Event, Matthew Chesney

Sullivan Ratcliff at the 2023 Valley City Frog Jump Festival.

Valley City Hosts Annual Frog Jump Event, Matthew Chesney

Valley City Hosts Annual Frog Jump Event, Matthew Chesney

A competitor fails to escape its container at the 2023 Valley City Frog Jump Festival.

Valley City Hosts Annual Frog Jump Event, Matthew Chesney

Valley City Hosts Annual Frog Jump Event, Matthew Chesney

Barrett (L) and Cedric Kocksis (R) prepare their frogs at the 2023 Valley City Frog Jump Festival.

Valley City Hosts Annual Frog Jump Event, Matthew Chesney

'Name That Song' contest at the 2023 Valley City Frog Jump.

Valley City Hosts Annual Frog Jump Event, Matthew Chesney

Shelly Sabol sipping lemonade at the 2023 Valley City Frog Jump Festival.

Valley City Hosts Annual Frog Jump Event, Matthew Chesney

Valley City Hosts Annual Frog Jump Event, Matthew Chesney

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