The very popular Stonetool Technology Show will take place this weekend August 26 and 27 at Letchworth State Park in western New York. Take Interstate-390 to the Mt. Morris exit and follow the signs for Letchworth State Park. This is a great show to meet a large number of flintknappers and many different craftspeople. There is also plenty of opportunity to try out the atlatl.
Aztec Atlatl Battle had great participation at Pennsic War XXXV. We had three battles and up to 50 participants in at least one battle! We are looking forward to next year’s war and more opportunities for Aztec Atlatl Battle.
Thunderbird Atlatl will be at the Pennsic War in Pennsylvania over the next week and a half. There will be plenty of time for Aztec Atlatl Battle and all the fun atlatl games during the SCA sponsored event. We look forward to meeting up with old friends and making new ones.
The last week end of the month will find us at the Stonetool Technology Show at Letchworth State Park (Mt. Morris, NY). This is undoubtably one of the best knap-ins, atlatl events and all around good times. Try to put it on you calendar and come visit.
Labor Day Weekend we will be at the Flint Ridge Museum in Brownsville, Ohio for the annual Labor Day Knap-In and Atlatl contest. This is another great show to attend.
It was a great weekend, as always, at the Green Flats Atlatl Rattle in Hancock, NY. Hosts Ray Turner and Chris Pappas put on a great program. Ray’s eel business sustained a lot of damage in recent flooding but he is open for business again. It is certainly worth a stop if you are in the area.
People showed up in traditional modes of transportaion for the event but there was even a group rafting down the Delaware who stopped in when they saw atlatls being cast along the river bank! All were welcomed. The knap-in, atlatl contests, great food, auction, swimming and great camraderie made for a fantastic weekend.
The Green Flats Atlatl Rattle is still scheduled July 27 to 30 in Hancock, NY along the banks of the Delaware River.
Host Ray Turner says the event is still on but he will need some extra help this year as the very scenic Delaware River was not so scenic just a few weeks ago when it devastated the area with flood waters. Ray and Chris Pappas set up this very popular event for atlatlists each year. Ray had a lot of losses in the flood this year and any help we can give him will be appreciated.
After talking to Ray, Scott_Van_Arsdale posted the following on Community Zero, Ray “took a big financial hit in the flood, so we will have to raise funds to pay for the hay, porta-johns and any rented tents. He wants everybody to do what they normally do (have lots of fun!), but be prepared to do some more work than just the usual stoning of the eel weir.”
For further information, you can contact Thunderbird Atlatl or contact a World Atlatl Association member.
ATLATL HUNTING
Ron Mertz of Missouri reports that the Regulations Committee of the Missouri Department of Conservation unanimously approved proposed regulations that will legalize the atlatl for hunting and fishing in Missouri, excluding deer and turkey. While we would like to have had deer included, I think the Department has taken an important step since the regulations (and our Code Book) will now specifically refer to atlatls and should help to build awareness. Their proposal will go the the Commissioners in August and the Department staff do not feel there will be any problems in it being approved. After approval, they will become effective in March 2007.” Thanks Ron for the update and yor efforts!
In Pennsylvania, the ongoing effort to get the atlatl approved for deer hunting continues. It is moving forward thanks to the dedicated efforts of many including Russ Guthrie, Jack Rowe, George Miller, Gary Fogelman, Dennis Lantz, Bob Berg and others. A meeting with the Pennsylvania Game Commission staff is scheduled for August 23 in Harrisburg.
Thunderbird Atlatl will be at the Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor, Maine, Friday, July 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the museum’s “Fantastic Friday” program.
Participants will have the opportunity to build their own atlatl and darts in a workshop with Bob Berg. Bob will also be giving a demonstration on flax and cordage making. Visitors to the museum will have an opportunity to try using the atlatl in the museum’s backyard. For further information check out the museum’s website at: http://www.abbemuseum.org or call our toll free number: 1-800-836-4520.
