SALEM Frog-jump changes venues, prepares for better turnout

Proceeds will be used to help people with sight problems.
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
SALEM -- Undaunted by a lukewarm response to last year's frog-jump contest, organizers are planning two of the events this year.
The first contest is set for 3 p.m. July 4 at Waterworth Memorial Park.
The second will be held at noon Aug. 2 at the county fair in Lisbon, said Greg Shaffer, a Salem businessman and Lions Club member.
Shaffer organized last year's jump and is putting together this year's contests as well.
Proceeds will benefit the Lions Club's efforts to help people in need of glasses and seeing-eye dogs.
The frog jumps are open to children and adult frog owners. Winners will be chosen based on the total distance a frog covers in three successive leaps.
Cost to participate is $2 per frog for children through age 10 and $3 per frog for owners age 11 and over.
"I think it's going to be bigger this year," Shaffer said of the contests.
He's hoping for improvement over last year's inaugural event, which was in Salem and drew about 30 people entering 70 frogs. About 80 people came to watch.
After expenses, including trophies and prizes, the Lions Club netted about $60, Shaffer said.
He added that he's hopeful this year's two contests will raise hundreds of dollars.
Shaffer attributed the dismal showing of last year's frog-jump to the fact that it was the same week as the county fair.
Improvements
This year, Shaffer said there's few area events planned on the Fourth, so more people may be drawn to enter a frog in the jump and more people will attend.
Another change was moving the July 4th contest to Waterworth Park. The park features more of a country setting that harmonizes with the old-time atmosphere of a frog jump, Shaffer explained. Last year's jump was in a downtown parking lot.
As for the second event's being conducted at the fairgrounds, Shaffer said the frog-jump will serve as an added attraction to the fair instead of trying to compete with it.
With weeks to go before the jumps, Shaffer said he's seeking donations to cover the cost of the $200 first-prize to be awarded to the owner of the best-leaping critter.
Money also is needed to meet the expense of trophies, he said.
Shaffer said his goal is to raise about $1,000 to put on the two jumps.
If an inadequate amount is raised, there won't be any cash prizes, he said.
Anyone interested in donating can send their contribution to Shaffer, in care of the Lions Club, 1446 Franklin Ave., Salem, 44460.
For more information on the events, call Shaffer at (330) 337-0093, or e-mail him at gtoner@connectohio.net.