The Skillet Toss
is a distance competition, which involves the throwing of a specially fabricated and weighted 3 ½ pound steel skillet.

Chenango County Habitat for Humanity (CCHH) asks, "Are you up for the challenge?" It's time to roll up your sleeves and get your throwing arms at peak performance.

CCHH introduced the Skillet Toss at the June 2009 Dairy Day in Norwich, NY. The game involves throwing a steel skillet made especially for the event. (Cast iron skillets tend to break and the weight isn't as consistent.) Two attempts are allowed. Since it was new to the area, CCHH opened it to both sexes; but traditionally it is only played by women. The public's response was very favorable!

Since that Dairy Day, CCHH has brought the Skillet Toss to the Chenango County Fair in Norwich, NY, and the Grange's Harvest Celebration (sponsored by the Smithville Valley Grange No. 1397), but it can be played nearly anywhere with enough space!

In 2011, CCHH joined the 25th annual Applefest at the Lions Club Park in Greene, NY, on September 24th, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Cost was $1 for 2 tosses, and it was open to men, women and youth. Donations were greatly appreciated.

Also in 2011, CCHH joined the Smithville Grange's Harvest Celebration on October 8th, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Cost was $1 for 2 tosses, and it was open to men, women and youth. Donations were greatly appreciated.

Different techniques and the steel skillet's aerodynamic behavior are involved in the resulting tossing distance. The frying pan sometimes goes flying through the air in a graceful arch and, at other times it's more of an erratic end-over-end tumble. What ever your style, all players have fun and a few top tossers will receive prizes.

Consider these ideas:

• You could take on a friend or a group.
• Perhaps your company would like to challenge a competitor?
• Maybe your company will match your other sponsor's pledges?

There are different ways to participate. You could sign up as an individual participant; raise pledges through sponsorships; or you can simply make the minimum donation. The minimum pledge to participate is $10.00.

Farmers, mothers, students, executives…women from 18 to 108 can compete. There are four categories of play. Women of age groups: 18 yrs thru 29 yrs; 30 yrs thru 45; 46 yrs thru 64 yrs; and 65 yrs & older. There will be a grand place winner in each age category. Prizes are usually gift certificates donated by local merchants.

Give the Skillet Toss a try, watch for the sign of the "pan" and "pump a little iron" to train for this worthy benefit. (Women start lifting your weights; children, shovels, or tennis racquets). It's fun and you don't have to win to realize that you've helped a very good cause.

Contact: Sandra Colton at (607) 334-7492; or Audrey Johnson (607) 843-6249; email: seatweaving_comics@yahoo.com for info. Pledge sheets are available at several locations including the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Norwich, or print one from the Pledge Sheet PDF link below.

The CCHH office is located in Oxford, NY, at the United Church of Oxford. To volunteer, look under the "Get Involved" section; or contact Sandra Colton.

Click here for a Skillet Toss informational page (in PDF).

Click here for a Skillet Toss Pledge Sheet (in PDF).