Here is a link to an interesting article by Dr. John c. Whittaker, Ph.D, You can check the article out here. by Dr. John C. Whittaker, Ph.D, about the atlatl’s place connecting the academic world of archaeology with the public in a fun and fascinating way. This article takes the atlatl out of the museum closet and places it in the hands of those who see it as a recreational implement.

John is a teacher at Grinnell College and also the coach of the Raging Cows, the world’s first collegiate atlatl team. I enjoyed this article because I was pleased to have supplied John with a recreational atlatl and a set of darts many years ago when I first met him at the Stone Tool Craftsman Show at Letchworth State Park in upstate New York. I think I lit an ember at that time that John blew into a raging flame. ~Bob Berg

The Thunderbird Atlatl staff had a great time in Florida. We were unable to make the Ochlockonee River State Park, Sopchoppy, Fl. show because of a vehicle problem but were able to make it to the Silver River Knap In and Stone Age Arts Festival. Scott Mitchell and staff at Silver River are developing a great program for flintknappers and atlatlists.

The atlatl range was busy for three days. Hundreds of youth and older folks had a chance to try the atlatl. We look forward to next year’s shows!

After leaving Silver River, we traveled north to the Gainesville area where Bob Berg presented a workshop on atlatls for a group of youth and adults at Grace Methodist Church and the Florida Outdoors Ministry. Then it was on to meet Wayne and Carita Wall of Shadd Deer Farms of Lake Butler, Florida.. The Walls run a great operation and have lots of opportunities for anyone interested in atlatl hunting.

Thunderbird Atlatl will be at Silver River Knap In and Stone Age Arts Festival March 3 & 4. We had a slower than anticipated trip to Florida due to some car problems but we are back on the road again! If you need to reach us, try our cell phones at 607-743-4379 or 607-222-9873. Here’s where we will be this weekend:
Atlatlists practice casting darts in New York last fall. This weekend Florida atlatlists will have a chance to cast darts at the Silver River Knap-in
March 3 & 4
SILVER RIVER KNAP-IN AND STONE AGE ARTS FESTIVAL
Silver River State Park
SILVER RIVER KNAP-IN AND STONE AGE ARTS FESTIVAL
Silver River State Park

Date: March 3-4, 11 am – 4 pm

Description:

This weekend event will feature flint knappers from across the Southeast making stone tools like Native Americans did thousands of years ago. 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, food and other creations. Archery and atlatl dart throwing demonstrations will take place each day. Admission $5.00 per person; children under 6 free. Active military free with ID. Park entry fee and parking are free. Flint knappers and vendors interested in participating should contact Scott Mitchell at (352)236-5401.

Fees: $5.00 per person; park entry fee waived

Contact: Deborah.Wilson@dep.state.fl.us

Directions:

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.

Members of the Thunderbird Atlatl staff will be at two upcoming events in Florida. Check out the information below:

February 24, 25 & 26
STONE AGE AND PRIMITIVE ARTS FESTIVAL
Ochlockonee River State Park, Sopchoppy, Florida
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
STONE AGE AND PRIMITIVE ARTS FESTIVAL
Ochlockonee River State Park

Friday, Feb. 24; Saturday, Feb. 25 & Sunday, Feb. 26, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m

Description:

The Department of Environmental Protection’s Ochlockonee River State Park is pleased to announce their fifth annual Stone Age and Primitive Arts Festival. Event workshops are 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. Once again, members of the Florida Public Archaeology Network will help provide fun, educational children’s activities including artifact identification, Atlatl history, basic lessons and a competition. Please dress appropriately for a cool morning near the confluence of the Ochlockonee and Dead Rivers. Join us for some family interaction while learning some old-timey skills in the Real Florida.
Participation Requirements

Fees: Admission for event is free with paid regular park entrance fee.

Contact: (850) 962-2771

Directions: Ochlockonee River State Park is located four miles south of Sopchoppy on U.S. 319.
The Department of Environmental Protection’s Ochlockonee River State Park is pleased to announce the fourth annual presentation of our Stone Age and Primitive Arts Festival. This program is designed to introduce visitors to primitive arts through family interaction. Participants and their families will experience demonstrations in atlatl demonstrations, flint knapping, and other primitive skills.

http://www.floridastateparks.org/ochlockoneeriver/events.cfm?viewevent=5830#5830

March 3 & 4
SILVER RIVER KNAP-IN AND STONE AGE ARTS FESTIVAL
Silver River State Park
SILVER RIVER KNAP-IN AND STONE AGE ARTS FESTIVAL
Silver River State Park

Date: March 3-4, 11 am – 4 pm

Description:

This weekend event will feature flint knappers from across the Southeast making stone tools like Native Americans did thousands of years ago. 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, food and other creations. Archery and atlatl dart throwing demonstrations will take place each day. Admission $5.00 per person; children under 6 free. Active military free with ID. Park entry fee and parking are free. Flint knappers and vendors interested in participating should contact Scott Mitchell at (352)236-5401.

Fees: $5.00 per person; park entry fee waived

Contact: Deborah.Wilson@dep.state.fl.us

Directions:

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.