MASSENA — Children of all ages scampered around the Massena Arena floor Thursday morning chasing frogs that were eager to escape.

Fifty-four children — and their frogs — competed for ribbons, toys and trophies in the 28th annual frog jumping contest.

"It's just a fun event," said Pat Henrie, Massena's summer recreational director. "The kids have to go out and get all wet and get a frog."

The goal for contestants was to get their frogs to be the fastest to jump the 5 or 6 feet out of a circle in the center of the court. Contestants could clap or blow on their animals, which came in all sizes, to get them to move. Contestants were prohibited from touching the frogs.

This year's winners were Logan Chilton, Wesley Rode and Katie LaBelle.

"I pick the middle-size ones down by our little creek," said Anna Lee M. Beckstead, 12. She took fourth place in her age group this year and won the contest last year. "I slap the floor" and blow on them to get them to move.

Parents stayed on the sidelines distributing hand wipes and chasing renegade frogs.

Most frogs spent the competition safely stowed away in buckets, Tupperware containers, coolers and one pink-pig hamper. Other children took theirs to the back of the arena to play with them some more, though they were careful not to lose the frogs.

Only once a few years ago did arena staff find a frog left behind, Mr. Henrie said. It was caught and released. After Thursday's contest was over, the children were reminded to release the frogs back into their creeks and ponds.

"There are no cook-outs or anything," said Terry Peets, a summer recreation program staff member.