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A leap ahead

The annual Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee will be held at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds, California May 17-20.

Thousands of frog owners will join the contest and can choose to let their frogs leap for fun on a small stage or jump to qualify for the finals. The prize for breaking the world record is $5,000.

The inspiration of the event comes from California writer Mark Twain's short story, The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.

The competition is open to all ages and also includes the annual Miss Calaveras contest and a fireworks display. More information at www.frogtown.org.

Vehicles galore

The annual Basingstoke Festival of Transport will start on May 13 in War Memorial Park, Basingstoke, England.

There will be more than 900 vehicles in the park and motor fans can enjoy various displays of classic and vintage cars, trucks, and ambulances for free. A huge range of vehicles are on exhibit, such as classic and commercial vehicles, fire engines, military and catering trucks.

More information at www.basingstoke.gov.uk.

A week of music

The annual Felicja Blumental International Music Festival will start from May 14-19 in Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Tel Aviv, Israel.

It's an intense week of music, with artists from home and abroad singing and dancing. There will be two Baroque ensembles from Canada and Italy, two classical guitarists from Austria, and flamenco guitarist from Spain. There will also be classical guitarists, vocal and string ensembles as well as chamber orchestras. Since 1999, the festival has played an important role in promoting local music.

More information at www.blumentalfestival.com.

Clown arts

Svendborg, Denmark will hold the 2012 International Clown Festival from May 23-28.

The clowns will participate in children and family shows, hospital visits, visits to old people's homes and institutions for the physically challenged. There will also be workshop on various clown arts, such as mime, clown magic and face painting.

Last year, the festival attracted 100 clowns from five continents, for a week's fun and games. About 3,000 red noses were distributed to the public in the parade.

More information at www.clownfestival.dk/en.