FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 9, 2004
CONTACT: Toni Kellar 740-435-3335 or tonikellar@deerassic.com

 ANCIENT ARTS FESTIVAL AND KNAP-IN
JUNE 26 and 27

 CAMBRIDGE – The first Ancient Arts Festival and Knap-In will be held at the Deerassic Park Education Center Saturday, June 26, and Sunday, June 27.

This family-oriented and educational festival will feature nationally-known ancient and heritage artists from across the nation and throughout Ohio. Admission is $5 per vehicle, or free to NWDEF members.

  The Deerassic Park Education Center is supported by the non-profit National Whitetail Deer Education Foundation (NWDEF).

Over 50 flint-knappers from a dozen states will attend, demonstrating their art and having items for sale. Flint-knapping is the art of making arrowheads and other modern-day artifacts from flint, Ohio’s state stone. Flint Ridge flint is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful stones in the world, and its beauty and heritage will be celebrated during this unique festival.  

A national Atlatl competition will also be featured. Atlatl is an ancient art using a device to throw spears. Demonstrations and hands-on try-outs will be available.  

Other ancient and heritage arts demonstrated during the festival will include blacksmithing, pottery, buckskinning, wood carving, bone carving, soap making, scrimshaw,  stone carving, engraving, jewelry making, powderhorn making, stone cutting and polishing, and others. Rock and gemstone dealers will be on hand.

Entertainment includes featured musician Christine Boiano of Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Native American flute; Groove Project playing world rhythms on hand percussion; tai chi and martial arts demonstrations; a participatory community drum circle; and outdoor storytelling by Bob Welsh.

  Many hands-on opportunities for youth and families will be offered, including pottery making, rock painting, cracking geodes, and horse-drawn wagon rides.

  Cowboy Dan will provide modestly-priced, delicious Hoe-Down Dinners cooked on the premises.

  Girl or Boy Scout troops are encouraged to register to create a ceremonial council staff made with a whitetail deer antler. Antlers and sticks will be provided by the NWDEF. Advanced troop registration is required. Contact program director Toni Kellar at 740-435-3335.

  The annual NWDEF membership picnic will be held Saturday in conjunction with the festival, with a membership gathering at 4 p.m. at the pavilion.

  Festival hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

  The Deerassic Park Education Center is located on US 22 six miles east of I-77 near Salt Fork State Park and Cambridge, Ohio, in Guernsey County. For more information or NWDEF membership application, see www.deerassic.com,  or call 740-435-3335.