24th ANNUAL NORTHEASTERN ATLATL CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND AT CHIMNEY POINT
ADDISON, Vt. – Step back in time thousands of years for the annual Northeastern Open Atlatl Championship weekend at the Chimney Point State Historic Site in Addison, Vermont. Contestants from all over New England and New York will use the atlatl, an ancient spear-throwing tool, to test their prowess in accuracy and distance by throwing at a variety of targets. The event, taking place September 20th thru September 22nd, 2019 is a highlight of Vermont Archaeology Month.
The Chimney Point field, on the shore of Lake Champlain, is set up for accuracy and distance competitions on Saturday. The competition starts at 10:00 a.m., with the “International Standard Accuracy Competition,” an accuracy test with painted animal targets, and a distance event. The contest culminates with a “Grand Champion” shootout. Categories include youth (ages 16 and under) girl and boy, women, and men. Contestants range from interested novices to some of the best in the country. Competitors pay $7.00 with pre-registration or $8.00 on the day of the event. Call (802)759-2412 to pre-register.
Saturday demonstrations and activities on the lawn complement the museum exhibits on the Native American and early European and American history of Chimney Point. Visitors can try their hand at flint-knapping (making tools out of stone) with expert Barry Keegan; atlatl making with Thunderbird Atlatl, crafting Woodland pottery with Charlie Paquin, learning about birchbark canoes and how the Europeans adapted them from the native peoples with Mike Blakeslee, and flint and steel fire-making from the Revolutionary War with Charlie Paquin. Also watch an ancient game using atlatls, spears, and an airborne target.
Noon to 5 p.m. on Friday is the popular atlatl workshop with Robert Berg of Thunderbird Atlatl. The $70 fee includes materials, instruction, and coaching. Participants make an atlatl and three fletched darts and receive coaching on use in case they wish to compete the next day. Pre-registration is required.
On Sunday, from 10:00 to 4:30, Barry Keegan offers a new basket-making workshop using birch bark. The $60 fee includes materials. Be prepared to get a little wet in the process and bring your lunch. Pre-registration is required.
The Chimney Point State Historic Site presents the history of the region’s three earliest cultures—Native American, French Colonial, and early American. The site was used by Native Americans for thousands of years and was the location of a 1731 French fort. The museum is housed in a tavern from 1785; it is located at 8149 VT Route 17W in Addison at the foot of the Lake Champlain Bridge. The site is open 10:00 to 5:00, Wednesdays through Sundays, through October 13.
Call (802) 759-2412 for more information or visit www.HistoricSites.vermont.gov Join the Vermont State Historic Sites conversation on Facebook.
About the Division for Historic Preservation
The Vermont State Historic Sites are owned and operated by the Division for Historic Preservation, which is part of the Department of Housing and Community Development. The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) works to support vibrant and resilient communities, promote safe and affordable housing for all, protect the state’s historic resources, and improve the quality of life for Vermonters.
About Agency of Commerce and Community Development
The mission of ACCD is to help Vermonters improve their quality of life and build strong communities. ACCD accomplishes this mission by providing grants, technical assistance, and advocacy through three divisions: The Department of Economic Development, the Department of Tourism and Marketing, and the Department of Housing and Community Development. For more information on ACCD please visit: accd.vermont.gov.
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