Newry

By Seneca Corriveau

Oct 04, 2012 12:00 am

Newry

This year, I am happy to report, I finally made it to sign up for and actually participate in the Skillet Toss! For those of you who have never had the opportunity to watch such a domestic event I wish to clarify that no men are harmed in the tossing of the skillet. In fact there is not even an actual target. The object is to pitch a regulation weighted/sized skillet as far as you can in a forward direction, using skill and aim to stay as close to the center line as possible, all without fouling over the toe line. There are generally several different age categories, each competing within said age groupings until the end in which there is a 'throw-off'. There are places 1st -6th in each category and each woman who took 1st place for her “class” competes for first place overall with the best throw. Now, mind you, I have thrown two different years at Andover Olde Homes Days. The first year I placed second in my age group and this year (probable due to a smaller turnout) I placed 1st! And 1st overall. Having the recent win under my belt, I was jazzed and even more determined to compete at Fryburg. So, Freeman and I send the kiddo's on their way to school and took to the fair! Long story short – I stood up against a crowd of nearly 300 people, if you were there feel free to correct me if I am wrong, and I threw – 45 feet, 2 inches. Plewwwwy! I was grumpy with myself and I started complaining – Freeman had to point out to me that when I did not reach the 50 feet-flus marks that I had thrown before, I wasn't taking into account the length deductions that Fryburg takes, therein balancing distance with accuracy plu skill. When the announcer called my name, I was shocked and grateful that I had placed 2nd. I hadn't even dreamed that I'd place at all. So, I learned a lesson in humility that day. Despite the initial circumstances that we find ourselves in, we, I, should just shut my mouth and dwell in the opportunity, and thankfully embrace the outcome. *Just a note in closing – it takes a confident Man to walk the fair grounds beside his Wife and her Skillet Throwing Contest Ribbon.

Enjoy the remainder of the beautiful fall leaves and please be alert while driving. Just because you may have seen the leaves a hundred times, you still have to negotiate the roads with the influx of Leaf Peepers who'll drive 35 mph and whip off the road right in front of you as if blinkers had never been invented. Have a great week everyone! ~Blessings~

Fair season has swept through the state like a wildfire out of control. We found ourselves at Fryburg Fair on Monday, excited that it was finally here but sadly realizing that it was actually here. Year to year I find myself relying on wishful thinking to deliver our family to the many different fairs in the area, Waterford, Oxford, Common Ground... Each has its own personality and appeal but try as I may they all zip by me. Somehow Fryburg has just locked on to my brain stem because that is the one fair that we never miss. This year, I am happy to report, I finally made it to sign up for and actually participate in the Skillet Toss! For those of you who have never had the opportunity to watch such a domestic event I wish to clarify that no men are harmed in the tossing of the skillet. In fact there is not even an actual target. The object is to pitch a regulation weighted/sized skillet as far as you can in a forward direction, using skill and aim to stay as close to the center line as possible, all without fouling over the toe line. There are generally several different age categories, each competing within said age groupings until the end in which there is a 'throw'off'. There are places 1st -6th in each category and each woman who took 1st place for her 'class' for compete for first place overall with the best throw. Now, mind you, I have thrown two different years at Andover Olde Homes Days. The first year I placed second in my age group and this year (probable due to a smaller turnout) I placed 1st! ...and 1st overall. Having the recent win under my belt, I was jazzed and even more determined to compete at Fryburg. So, Freeman and I send the kiddo's on their way to school and took to the fair! Long story short.... I stood up against a crowd of nearly 300 people, if you were there feel free to correct me if I am wrong, and I threw..... 45'2" Plewwwwy! I was grumpy with myself and I started complaining... Freeman had to point out to me that when I did not reach the 50'+ marks that I had thrown before, I wasn't taking into account the length deductions that Fryburg takes, therein balancing distance with accuracy plus skill. When the announcer called my name, I was shocked and grateful that I had placed 2nd. I hadn't even dreamed that I'd place at all. So, I learned a lesson in humility that day. Despite the initial circumstances that we find ourselves in, we, I, should just shut my mouth and dwell in the opportunity, and thankfully embrace the outcome.

* Just a note in closing- it takes a confident Man to walk the fair grounds beside his Wife and her Skillet Throwing Contest Ribbon.