Staff Writer

ACTON — Cast iron skillets are great to use to fry up some eggs and bacon, but, as numerous women demonstrated Saturday at the Acton Fair fifth annual Women’s Skillet Throw, they are also a lot of fun to throw.

The rules were simple: throws must be underhanded, standing beyond the starting line will disqualify a throw, and throws should be straight onto the course. Throws that stray off to the side will get the distance from the center line deducted from their score.

Competitors had to use skillets provided at the event, to keep things fair, said event organizer Richard Burke Jr.

“We don’t tell anyone what the weight is,” said Burke.

Women competed in different age categories. First place in each age category received a cash prize and an engraved frying pan, and then competed for the grand championship cash prize and frying pan.

“I wouldn’t put breakfast on that one, it’s a little too ‘purty,’” said Emcee Heidi Palmer.

This year, the competition was expanded to a junior competition for those 6-17 years of age.

Dozens of women of all ages signed up for the event, and people gathered on the sidelines to watch.

“As you can see, it brings quite a crowd,” said Stephanie Hagenbuch, who was assist- ing Burke, her father, with the event.

The event draws some steady regulars, but also some curious newbies. They showed various level of skills, with some chucking the kitchen utensil more than 50 feet.

A woman who identified herself as Sherry said she was participating in the event because a co-worker dared her.

“I never tossed a skillet in my life. … I guess, bucket list,” she said.

Else Cook, 73, of Shapleigh, scored fourth in the 65 and over category with a respectable 23 feet, 10 inch toss. Cook helps out in the fair museum and as a 4H Leader oversees a float in the parade.

“This is my fun time,” she said of the toss, which she competes in every year.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].