1848: Leapbekistan claims its independence from Featuria after 47 minutes of violent war. Leapbekistan declares Februrary 29 as its independence day. Leapbekistanian government officials soon regret this decision as they could only celebrate once every four years. 1964: Leap Day at the Grand Canyon was highly eventful because on that warm February morning, a group of daring young men and women lined up on the edge of the Grand Canyon ready to leap off the edge. There were no survivors. 1976: Leapsalot, an extremely popular leap frog, was officially recognized as the day’s mascot. With this nomination came an uproar from various political and religious organizations claiming fallacy on behalf of the Leap Day Federation. Riots broke out on the streets of New York City, home to the Federation’s headquarters. 10 board members were forced to leap out of their windows. People were leaping throughout the streets. It was leaping crazy. 1988: Throngs of mourners gathered to pay their respects and embrace the spirit of the late Leapsalot the Leap Frog. Leapy the Leap Frog, his son, was inducted as the new mascot of Leap Day the same month. 1991: There was no Leap Day in 1991. 2004: John Reider, a newlywed groom, was married to his wife, Barbara, on February 29 in the local community chapel. Statements released at a later date indicate that his marriage date was deliberately and strategically planned by Reider, as he would only have to remember his wedding anniversary once every four years.?? —Lawrence Dai, Eli Grober
