DEL MAR — Del Mar Kiwanis Club recently held its 13th annual Ugly Dog Contest with funds going to worthy local charities. There were a dozen categories and plenty of dogs, handlers and spectators for each of them.

In the 1950s, the San Dieguito Jaycees came up with the Southern California jumping frog prelims as a fun and charitable event. It was inspired by the Jumping Frog of Calaveras County Jubilee held at Angel’s Camp. Celebrated author Mark Twain came up with an epic about a frog jump to settle a bet with the winner to pick up all the marbles. Unfortunately, one of the frogs in the championship jump-off was filled with buckshot and never made it off the pad.

The local event was held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The American Cancer Society was the benefactor after Bunny Stone, a perky, well-proportioned Cancer Society representative asked the Jaycees to deliver and collect coin canisters in the area. Such a project lacked appeal to the young men of action. Instead they agreed to present a special event like a frog jump for American Cancer Society charity. The assumption was there were plenty of amphibians in local ponds and rivers. The revenue angle was to rent frogs and then charge an entry fee to enter them in competition.

The initial event was a huge success and the American Cancer Society was elated with the financial returns. However, in succeeding years there weren’t enough rental frogs so arrangements were made with Angel’s Camp to ship some down to San Diego via United Air Lines. Receiving them at the airport was cause for celebration and the Jaycees did just that. One Jaycee who celebrated more than the rest was helping to unload the precious cargo and dropped the crate. Soon frogs were hopping all over the tarmac. Most were rounded up but there may be some of the descendents still around the airport today.

The JCettes wanted to get in on the action so they came up with a best-dressed frog contest. There was also competition between chambers of commerce, and sale of souvenir shirts and jackets. Beverage and hot dog booths always sold out.

The Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce entry, handled by Ray Renteria, always out-jumped Del Mar’s frog entered by frogmeister Dick Wheelock.

Unfortunately, as the Jaycees aged, interest in jumping frogs waned and eventually the event became history. During its heyday, it provided a lotta fun and entertainment for families, participants and spectators. And a good bit of revenue for the American Cancer Society.