Scything Contest Still Going Strong

Scything Contest Still Going Strong AG WORLD 32-3-24 Lucien D. Paquette, of Middlebury, Vt., may be 91 years young, but that hasn't diminished his interest in the "scything" contest he started in 1978 that's held at the Addison County Fair near Middlebury, Vt. "It's held people's interest over the years," says Paquette, "People have a good time with it. Mostly, they do it for nostalgia and just the enjoyment." The rules haven't changed over the years. Judging is based on time, width of cut (as wide as possible), and evenness of stubble at the end of the swath. Competitive categories include: "Men" (17 through 59 years), "Seasoned Stock" (60 through 79 years), and "Old Bucks and Does" (open to all). Contestants are asked to hand mow a distance of 25 ft. Ladies, youth under 16, and men over 80 mow 15 ft. In the 2007 event, there were 26 participants. The field used for mowing is seeded to what Paquette calls "natural hay." It's mostly timothy that hasn't needed reseeding for quite a few years, due to care and fertilization. It also requires "pre-mowing" until June, to prevent over maturity by contest time. "American-style scythes are being used, but European or Australian scythes are more popular now," he says. "They're made of softer steel than the American." According to Paquette, several local people make their own snath (the long handle with two smaller handles). They make straight ones, as opposed to the old American bent snath, which is heavier. The Scythe Supply Store in Maine also has straight snaths, he points out. Prizes for the hand-mowing contest are trophy plaques for the first three places in each class and ribbons to all participants. The contest has no entry fee. Contact: FARM SHOW Fallow up, Lucien D. Paquette, 397 Weybridge St., Middlebury, Vt. 05753 (ph 802 388-2898; L2 Paquette@ aol.com).

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