Iron. Skillet. Curling. Iron Skillet Curling! What? You’ve never heard of it? Then maybe you haven’t been to Chattanooga yet.
It’s sorta like curling, but with its own style and rules. Lodge 10 1/4″ skillets are the official “rocks” replacement. Lodge Cast Iron is the local business that provides these heavy, quality skillets for this event. This annual event is a fundraiser for the Chattanooga Area Food Bank. Teams take turns throwing or sliding the skillets, aiming to be the closest to the target or “press plate”. They also call the target “the bacon”… so fun. Skillets can strategically bump other skillets, either your own or others. Official team attire can range from matching sweatshirts, to funny wigs, or even kilts! Anything to set themselves apart and gather audience support. Teams face off until the popular final showdown.
Wheelchair accessible? Well, yes and no. It is held at the Ice On The Landing rink that is set up at the Chattanooga Choo Choo each winter. Parking, access, and restrooms are easy, but with the wall surrounding the rink at a height over my head it was tricky to see the action. While not an official approved solution, another guest grabbed a barstool from a nearby bar at the complex and I was lifted on top. Great vantage point! Of course, we returned the barstool after we finished using it.
This may sound a little bit crazy, but it was a lot of fun to watch and I’ll never look at a frying pan the same way again!