27th ANNUAL NORTHEASTERN ATLATL CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS @ CHIMNEY POINT

The Chimney Point State Historic Site in Addison, Vermont, is hosting the annual Northeastern Open Atlatl Championship on Saturday, September 24, 2022, with special workshops offered on Friday and Sunday. All activities are outside. This is the 27th year of the event and always a highlight of Vermont's September Archaeology Month, also modified.

On Saturday the Chimney Point field, on the shore of Lake Champlain, will be the scene for contestants of all ages to use the atlatl, an ancient spear-throwing tool found around the world before the bow and arrow, to test their prowess in accuracy and distance by throwing at a variety of targets. Event attendees can watch and cheer them on. Contestants are strongly urged to pre-register. Call 802-759-2412 and leave a message. Consider bringing a picnic lunch and an outdoor portable chair for your comfort.

The competition starts with registration at 10:30 a.m., followed by the "International Standard Accuracy Competition," the accuracy test with painted animal and other targets, and the distance event. The contest ends with a "Grand Champion" shootout. Categories include youth (ages 16 and under) girl and boy, women, and men. Contestants usually range from interested novices to some of the best in the country. Competitors pay $10.00. Visitors are $5.00 adults, free under 15. The museum will be open at special times during the day.

On Friday, September 23, from noon to 5:00, the site offers an atlatl workshop with Thunderbird Atlatl. Attendees will make an atlatl, fletch three darts, and receive coaching advice and much more. The fee is $70 and includes all materials; pre-registration is required. Call 802-759-2412.

On Sunday, September 25, from 10:00 to 4:00, sign up for "Barry's Wood Spoon Carving" workshop. The fee is $60 and includes all materials. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Call 802-759-2412.

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, was the location of the 1731 French fort, and the museum is in the c.1785 tavern building. It is located at 8149 VT Route 17W in Addison at the foot of the Lake Champlain Bridge. Phone number for pre-registration and information is 802-759-2412. The site is open 10:00 to 5:00, Thursdays through Sundays, through October 9.

For more information about the Vermont State-Owned Historic Sites visit www.historicsites.vermont.gov.