FLINT KNAPPING is the art of making stone tools by controlling how stone breaks in order to create specific shapes and sharp edges. Arrow and spear points, knives, axes, scrapers, drill bits and a variety of other tools can be made from flint (also called chert) by removing portions of the stone through various techniques. Before metal working was developed, this craft was extremely important.
Don't miss the annual SILVER RIVER KNAP-IN AND STONE AGE ARTS FESTIVAL to be held at the Silver River State Park on MARCH 2-4, 2012. Expert flint knappers, archaeologists, potters, hide tanners, bow makers and other specialists in prehistoric skills will gather from across the eastern U.S. to demonstrate and sell their arts. Vendors will offer reproduction stone tools, raw stone, flint knapping tools, unique crafts, food and more.
There will be archery, tomahawk and atlatl dart throwing demonstrations each day. A flint knapping competition and on-going prehistoric skills demonstrations will also take place. Besides the knap-in, visitors can explore the Silver River Museum, hike or bike the trails of the state park, take a tram ride through the woods, or canoe and kayak on the pristine Silver River.
2012 Schedule
Student Day (event is not open to the public on this day)
Friday March 2, 2012, 9 am to 2 pm
- Friday March 2nd is a student only day (9 am – 2 pm).
- Admission is $3.00 per person (students, teachers and chaperones).
- Public, private and home schools welcome.
- Activities are appropriate for all grade levels.
- State Park admission and parking are free during the Festival.
- Coolers with student lunches may be brought into the Festival.
Public Days
Saturday and Sunday, March 3-4, 2012, 9 am to 4 pm
- Saturday and Sunday are public days (9 am – 4 pm).
- Weekend admission is $5.00 per person.
- Children under six and U.S. military (with ID) admitted free.
- State Park admission and parking are free during the Festival.
- Pets must be on a leash.
- No firearms, alcohol or fireworks permitted within museum grounds.
- No coolers may be brought into the Festival.
All proceeds from the Silver River Knap-In and Stone Age Arts Festival benefit the educational programs of the Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center.
Festival Participants
All participants in the Silver River Knap-In must be pre-approved. Participants will be issued identification while working the festival. Due to safety and planning issues, last minute walk-ins are not accepted as participants. Knappers who are not registered as participants are certainly welcome but will be charged a $5 admission fee for the day.
Festival participants typically fall into one of three categories: Vendor, Exhibitor, or Demonstrator. Vendor spaces are $25 per 12' x 15' space. Each participant must complete an appropriate form and follow all festival guidelines and policies.
2012 Forms for Festival Participants
Museum Volunteers
All Volunteers must complete volunteer application forms with the Marion County School System and be approved prior to any participation. Please note that all Volunteers are subjected to background screening and must follow guidelines established by Marion County Public Schools and the Silver River Museum. Volunteers are covered by Worker's Compensation and provided drinks and snacks while working at the Silver River Knap-In.
