NEW HAVEN — Addison County residents can be proud that Addison County Fair and Field Days’ hand mowing contest is the oldest in the nation, and undoubtedly the most famous. The annual event has been covered by innumerable newspapers, magazines and television stations over the years. It was originally organized by Lucien Paquette in 1978; he supervised the event for the next 31 years. Paquette has always competed and, at 97 years old, is registered to compete again this year.
Mowing with a scythe is a time-honored, healthy, useful skill that is still in practical use here and abroad, and is in fact growing in popularity. On Thursday, Aug. 7, at 10 a.m. on the Field Days fairgrounds, the contest will once again take place and will feature mowers of all ages with skill levels ranging from beginners to some of the best in the nation. Twenty-five men, women and young people competed last year. Come and learn more about this ancient skill, still relevant today. 
The contest will take place on a new and larger competition field this year. It is just north of the prior location.
Spectators and competitors are welcome to attend (and enjoy all that the fair offers at the same time). There is no fee to compete. A link for online registration can be obtained be emailing Kathy Duclos at [email protected]. For an entry form or more information visit www.addisoncountyfielddays.comor contact Duclos at 453-2149 or by email.
Editor’s note: This article was submitted by Kathy Duclos.