Because Every Frog Deserves a Second Hop
If you’ve spent any time exploring Calaveras County, you’ve probably met one (or several) of our most famous residents. No, not the people. The frogs.
These colorful, larger-than-life frog statues have been delighting visitors and locals alike for over 20 years, posing proudly in front of businesses, welcoming guests to events, and reminding everyone that Calaveras County is the home of the legendary jumping frog. They’re quirky. They’re charming. They’re unmistakably Calaveras.
But after years of sunshine, storms, curious admirers, and countless photo opportunities, many of our beloved frogs are looking a little… well… toadally worn out. And now, it’s time for the community to help them leap back to life.
A Community-Wide Effort to Restore Our Famous Frogs
The frog statue restoration project is more than a fresh coat of paint. It’s a community collaboration dedicated to preserving one of Calaveras County’s most recognizable attractions for future generations. Together, these Calaveras organizations are working together and coordinating the restoration of the county’s iconic frog statues while inviting the entire community to be part of the journey.
- The Calaveras Visitors Bureau 209-736-0049 or info@gocalaveras.com – Contact them for more information about the frog restoration project or to volunteer time to relocate frogs or help restore them!
- The Calaveras Community Foundation 209-736-1845 or info@calaverascommunityfoundation.org – CCF has generously offered to organize the funds for the project to purchase supplies and other costs getting the frogs refurbished and returned to their rightful communities.
- The Calaveras Arts Council 209-754-1744 or goldrusharts18@gmail.com – The Calaveras Arts Council is helping to organize artists interested in doing the actual refurbishing of the frogs. Contact them or the Calaveras Visitors Bureau if you’re interested in sharing your craft!
- The Calaveras County Fairgrounds – Huge thanks to the folks at the Fairgrounds for housing the “frog hospital” where all the work can be done.
Welcome to the Frog Hospital
Yes, you read that correctly.
A real-life “Frog Hospital” has been established at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds, where the statues are receiving a little much-needed TLC. Think of it as a spa day… with a lot more sanding, painting, patching, and artistic magic. Instead of doctors in white coats, talented local artists are carefully restoring each frog’s personality, color, and charm. One by one, these beloved landmarks are getting ready to hop back into the community looking better than ever. No insurance required.
Calling All Artists
Are you a painter, muralist, sculptor, or creative soul who loves community art? The restoration project is looking for artists who would like to help breathe new life into these iconic frog statues. Whether you specialize in bold colors, intricate designs, whimsical artwork, or classic restoration, your creativity can become part of Calaveras County history. Artists interested in participating should contact the Calaveras Visitors Bureau or the Calaveras Arts Council for more information about joining the project.
Every Donation Makes a Difference
Restoring dozens of outdoor sculptures takes supplies, materials, equipment, and plenty of time. That’s why community support is so important. Whether your contribution is large or small, every donation helps purchase paint, restoration materials, protective coatings, and other essentials needed to keep these frogs looking fantastic for years to come. Every dollar helps another frog get back on its feet… or at least back on its lily pad. Supporting this project isn’t just about restoring statues. It’s about preserving a beloved tradition that brings smiles to residents and visitors from around the world.
More Than Statues
These frogs represent everything people love about Calaveras County. They celebrate our rich history, our creative spirit, our famous Jumping Frog tradition, and our ability to find joy in the unexpected. Families take photos with them. Visitors search them out. Kids climb beside them. Businesses proudly display them. They’re woven into the identity of our county, making them much more than painted sculptures. They’re local celebrities!
Be Part of the Story
Community projects succeed because people care. Whether you donate, volunteer, spread the word, or pick up a paintbrush, you’re helping preserve one of Calaveras County’s most recognizable traditions. Together, we can make sure these famous frogs continue welcoming visitors, starring in family photos, and making everyone smile for many years to come. After all, heroes don’t always wear capes. Sometimes they carry paintbrushes.
For more information about donating to the Frog Restoration Project or for artists interested in participating, please contact the Calaveras Visitors Bureau or donate here directly to the Calaveras Community Foundation ‘s dedicated account for this project. Or, if you prefer a check, you can send them to the Calaveras Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1436, Angels Camp, Ca. 95222 (memo line should indicate “Frog Fund”).
Let’s help our frogs make the biggest comeback in Calaveras County history one hop, one brushstroke, and one generous donation at a time!
