February Plans for Florida Flintknapping & Atlatl Programs

The atlatl season is starting and Thunderbird Atlatl will be heading south in a few weeks to attend shows in Florida.

We will be at the Stone Age and Primitive Arts Festival at Ocholockonee River State Park on Friday, Feb. 22, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 23, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 24, from 8 a.m to 4:30 p.m.

Ochlockonee River State Park’s sixth annual Stone Age and Primitive Arts Festival is designed to introduce visitors to primitive arts through family interaction. Participants and their families will experience demonstrations in flint knapping and the art of projectile point fashioning, along with deer hide tanning and bone, wood and antler carving. Observe old world and new world bow and arrow construction, basket weaving, and early pottery. Competitions in Atlatl throwing and primitive archery are scheduled. An auction will be held on Saturday to auction off donated artwork. Admission for event is free with paid regular park entrance fee. For further information, contact Ochlockonee River Stat Park at (850) 962-2771. Ochlockonee River State Park is located four miles south of Sopchoppy on U.S. 319 in Florida.

The next stop is Silver River State Park for the third annual stone tool and primitive arts festival from Saturday and Sunday, March 2 and 3 from 9 a.m to 4 p.m.

This weekend event will feature flint knappers from across the Southeast making stone tools like Native Americans did thousands of years ago. Visitors can watch as stone tools are created from various flints by expert “knappers.” Other artists and crafters will demonstrate how bows and arrows are made, hide tanning, pottery manufacture and firing, tomahawk throwing and other skills. Vendors will sell replica stone tools and other creations. Archery and atlatl dart (spear) throwing demonstrations will take place each day. Tram tours through the Silver River State Park will also be offered. Fees: Park entry fees & museum entry fees are waived for if attending the event. Admission to the event on museum grounds is $5 per person.

Silver River State Park is located east of Ocala, 1 mile south of S.R. 40 on S.R. 35. From Interstate 75, take exit 352 onto SR 40 east, about 9 miles to SR 35. From Interstate 95 take exit 268 to Route 40 west, about 60 miles to SR 35. (352) 236-5401

All sorts of creatures crept into the atlatl range at Silver Springs State Park in Florida last year. We believe they will be again this year. Come and see!
All sorts of creatures crept into the atlatl range at Silver Springs State Park in Florida!

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