Knapfest is an experience like no other – combining the elements of your traditional festival while also learning the education on the tools and life of early man.
You’ll grasp the history of knapping which is the process of shaping flint and other stones to make tools. You will also learn about all of our other excellent and educational events such as bow and arrow construction, bone and wood sculpting, and antler carving.
Knapfest takes place Friday, February 26th to Sunday, February 28th from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. It will be held at Ochlockonee River State Park, 429 State Park Road, Sopchoppy, FL. 32358. The cost of admission is $4.00 per vehicle, up to 8 occupants (additional occupants are $2.00 per person).
Things to Experience at Knapfest
Each day of the festival will have demonstrations on various primitive arts and skills including knapping, bow and arrow construction (both primitive and new world), pottery, basketry, bone carving, and wood carving, among other endeavors.
All activities take place within the fair grounds, offering an eventful outing with plenty to see for everyone in your group. There are also a number of contests to enter, as well as an auction. Contests to participate in include:
- Atlatl Throwing. Atlatl throwing is the throwing of spears called Atlatl Darts (Atlatl spears feature a hook on the end, allowing for better velocity). They’re contests for both novice and advanced participants and prizes that are awarded to the first, second, and third place winners.
- Primitive Bow Competition. Knapfest hosts a bow and arrow competition exclusively for primitive bows. No modern bows or arrows are allowed in the competition. They’re categories for both novice and advanced participants and prizes are awarded for the first, second and third place winners.
- Buddy Page. Rick Wiles Knapping Contest. This contest is named in honor of Buddy Page, a pioneer diver who discovered a number of submerged sites in Florida’s rivers, as well as Park Ranger Rick Wiles who judged many knapping contests and had a love for artifacts. This contest provides the opportunity to see some of the best knappers reproduce projectiles found locally.
The Auction offers locally donated knapping and supplies, as well as arts and crafts such as pottery, baskets, bone pieces, and hand carved wood. All of the proceeds from the auction are donated to Help Our State Parks.
If you’re looking for a fun event where you can learn new things and try your hand at primitive skills, Knapfest will be a day you remember for years to come.
