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Ladies Underhand Skillet Tossers [Video]

The Haddam Neck Fair committee started a women's Skillet Throwing contest three years ago that is still heating up.

For the fourth year in a row, the 100-year-old Haddam Neck Fair has included a women’s only Skillet Throwing Competition. Last year, 50 contestants competed to this year’s 36. Hurricane Irene complicated travel plans for several serious competitors and is being held accountable for the participant loss.

Connecticut Magazine’s Lary Bloom was on hand to report how last year’s winner, Patrice Nelson, would defend her coveted title in 2011. “For some reason the sports reporters from around the world are not here. . . we’re going to report about it, of course, but this is a fair, and there’s a lot at stake here: there’s a blue ribbon.” 

The popular “Got Skillet?” team had some competition this year from another team whose acronym, L.U.S.T. (Ladies Underhand Skillet Throwing/Tossing), caused mild amusement.

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Some competitors chose to dress in traditional 20th century housewife costumes, some with skirts, dresses and aprons. Contestant Lisa Malloy was attired in an elegant blue and green patterned, full skirted dress with apron, pearls and a small beaded purse.

Patrice Nelson succeeded in defending her coveted title as first place winner in the 2011 Skillet Throwing Competition and mentioned, in light of her competitor that carrying a small purse, ought to be considered future criteria in the contest.

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After the contest, Nelson said “How do I feel? Oh shucks; it was very fun" and laughed.

Her husband added, “Are you kidding? We have a calendar countdown (to the day of the contest)! She was getting up at 6 a.m. I feel great to be a part of this each day, every morning.”

How does a man live with such a mighty woman whose skillet heaving abilities have now become legend? A friend mentions, “When you see that skillet in her hand—“

Nelson’s husband counters, “--I gotta run, gotta run fast; that’s how I learned to run.”

Until next year’s Skillet Throwing Competition at the Haddam Neck Fair, may all the competitors – and their spouses – remain healthy and happy (or else!).

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