Decatur County took a page out of a classic Mark Twain story Monday evening as area kids got the fair jumping.

The annual Frog Jumping Contest sponsored by Farm Bureau brought the hoppity amphibians to the Farm and Home Building for a fun-filled evening. The kids were excited. The frogs were hopping, and when one of the slippery creatures escaped, which happened often, the large crowd was jumping too.

A few days before the contest, kids between the ages of 5 and 15 combed ponds, streams, creeks and every waterway imaginable to find that perfect frog that would hopefully bring home the glory. Kids of all ages brought frogs of all sizes to vie for the championship. There were big bullfrogs the size of softballs and tiny ones no bigger than a toddler’s hand.

In the end, it was a young girl with a frog named Hoppsker that took the top honors. Chelsea Franklin’s frog hopped 80 inches, a few frogs farther than Adam Fogg’s frog Hoppy, which leaped 55 inches. Stacy Fox and her green friend Hip Hop flung themselves into third with 53 inches.

As part of the festivities, 4-H Queen Hannah Gauck puckered up and planted a kiss on Hoppsker. Unlike the fairy tale, the little green amphibian did not turn into a prince.

First prize was $20, with second taking home $10 and third walking away with $5. Every participant received a free ride ticket.