Despite having to change locations from the Chimney Point Museum to the Mount Independence site in Orwell, Vt., the Fifteenth Annual Northeast Open Atlatl Championship was a great success! Ken Faucher of New Hampshire was the grand champion. Congratulations Ken!
Thunderbird Atlatl offered workshops and demonstrations throughout the day on Friday. Thanks to Elsa, Karl, Maureen, Paul and other volunteers and staff for making this program work so well at the new site. Depending on Lake Champlain bridge construction and cleanup, the program may be at Mount Independence next year too!
This weekend, Thunderbird Atlatl will be at the Tioga Center Pumpkin Festival in Tioga Center, NY: Tioga Center Pumpkin Festival on Saturday, Sept. 25. Come visit us if you are in the area.
In the photos below: Bob Berg leads a workshop at Mount Independence, Vt.; Grand Champion Ken Faucher of New Hampshire; the Franklin Pierce University Atlatl Team and children learn to use the atlatl in a program taught by John Morris of Vermont.
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Thunderbird Atlatl will be in Vermont this weekend. Workshops, contests and more will be featured at the Mount Independence Site in Orwell, Vt. Please note this program is usually at Chimney Point Historic Site in Vergennes but has been moved because of the Lake Champlain Bridge construction.

Here is the schedule of the weekend.
September 17: Atlatl Workshop

Atlatl experts Bob and Cheryll Berg of Thunderbird Atlatl will teach you modern and traditional techniques of atlatl and dart construction, flint knapping, hafting stone points, and cordage making. Enjoy atlatl lore and coaching on the use of your new atlatl. Bob has taught primitive skills and the atlatl for 17 years. This is his 15th year at the event. $65 fee includes instruction and all materials. Pre-registration required. Vermont Archaeology Month program. Noon – 5:00 PM (chimneypoint@historicvermont.org or 802-759-2412 for more information).

September 18: Fifteenth Annual Northeastern Open Atlatl Championship Festival of Nations

Participate in or watch this annual championship. The sport of atlatl throwing is based on the ancient hunting technique of using the atlatl or spear thrower. Demonstrations and informal workshops on flint knapping, and Native American life and crafts. Co-sponsored by Vermont Archaeological Society. Vermont Archeology Month program. 10:30 – 4:30 PM $5.00 for competitor fee. Pre-registration suggested. (chimneypoint@historicvermont.org or 802-759-2412 for more information).

September 19: ISAC Atlatl Championship

Second day of atlatl International Standard Accuracy Competition. After ISAC, master class/coaching for boys and girls. 10:00 AM $5.00 competitor fee.

For further information check out the Mount Independence Site: Mount Independence

In the photo below Bob Berg leads a workshop in Vermont in 2009

New York Atlatl Association Meets at Letchworth State Park September 18 and 19

Can’t make Vermont!? There will be contests and a meeting at the New York Atlatl Association at Letchworth State Park in Castile, New York this weekend. Here’s the schedule:
ISAC (Fri 4pm-Sun 4pm) and local events except during Heritage Day noted below. NYAA fully insured event. “Native American Heritage Day” 10am – 4pm on Sat, Sept 18, with Native American Dance, Crafts and Food. Nearby camping, cabins and lodging available. Call Douglas Bassett (585) 493-3625 for information.

Back from Flint Ridge where we had a great time at the annual knapin and atlatl contests in Ohio. It was great seeing a lot of old friends and meeting new people!
Bob Berg and other primitive skills instructors will be at the Maine Primitive Gathering this weekend September 10 to 12 in Wells, Maine.
To register or for more information check out this link http://letterpop.com/newsletters/?id=168282-a47962 Maybe we will see you there.

We will be in Ohio at the Flint Ridge State Park in Brownsville, Ohio, between Columbus and Zanesville this weekend. We are looking forward to a great weekend of atlatl contests and flintknapping.
Stop by our stand at the atlatl range and visit. Try out some atlatls or enter a contest. The Ohio Atlatl Association will be meeting at this event.
We will be back in the shop on Tuesday, Sept. 7.

Thunderbird Atlatl will be at the Stone Tool Technology Show at Letchworth State Park this week, August 28 to August 29!
Flintknappers and atlatlists from across the country will be at this fascinating event! The World Atlatl Association will be holding its annual meeting.
Admission to the show is free. There is an entrance fee to the park.
Camping is available for those interested in staying longer. The event is held on the North side of the park near the swimming pool area. You should enter the park from the Mt. Morris, NY entrance.
See you there!