Horseshoe-pitching contest heats up Dawson fair
LOWER TYRONE TWP. – Cody Rhome extended his arm toward the stake some 40 feet away as he prepared to toss his two-pound horseshoe. Seconds later, it curled around the post and a smile crossed the boy’s face.
The Point Marion 12-year-old was decades younger than his more-experienced challenger but managed to out-toss him, 33-25, in the first round of the horseshoe-pitching contest at the Dawson Grange Fair.
Over a three-day period, various horseshoe enthusiasts would join together, with each day featuring varying skill levels, said Terry Mellinger, grange member overseeing the events.
“We’ll have some that are very good; that have competed at the state level and won,” he said. “Then we’ll have those that just do it for fun.”
Like Mellinger, Rhome is a “B” level player or someone that regularly plays or practices to improve their skill level.
“I’ve been playing since I was 3 years old,” said Rhome.
It was his grandfather, Bob Stewart, who introduced him to the game.
“I brought him (to the Dawson Grange Fair) when he was 9 years old and he played with these guys and beat them,” said Stewart.
Rhome, meanwhile, said he had his sights set on the first prize – a $50 payout to the person who tallied the best score.
“I just like to win,” he said.
Participation in all the events at the 29th annual fair had increased over the previous year, said grange Secretary Janet Smith.
“We had 68 riders in the (Monday) horse show and 169 riders that took part in the (Tuesday) ATV Obstacle Course competition,” she said. “It has been unbelievable.”
She attributes a part of the fair’s success to the mild weather.
“If it rains, no one comes out,” said Smith.
Last year, the Thursday and Friday night arena events were cancelled after a rainstorm turned the dirt field into a muddy mess.
Although weather forecasters had predicted some rain showers throughout the week, it had yet to materialize.
“I’m just going to keep my fingers crossed,” she said.
The fair will continue today with several events, including the Country Classic Race at 8:30 a.m., followed at 10 a.m. by horseshoe pitching.
A Mud Bog race and pet show will be held at 11 a.m. and at 7:30 p.m. A Western-style tractor pull and truck pull will take place.
The musical group the Del Sols will perform at 8 p.m.
Those planning to attend the stage shows are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. There is no charge for parking or for the arena or stage shows.