Passport to Texas

This is Passport to Texas

Seminole Canyon SP and Historic site in far west Texas is, for many, off the beaten path…in more ways than one.

We really don’t get too many people [visiting], and so it’s kind of odd to have an atlatl competition. And you have to be kind of off the wall to even know what an atlatl is.

What are you, then, if you take part in the 3rd Annual Archeolympics—a kind of pre-historic hunter competition—at this out of the way park? To park ranger and Interpreter, Tanya Petruney, that makes you an archeolympian. She tells us about the event planned for February 6.

It is a primitive skills competition, which consists of the atlatl, which is an ancient spear thrower…the rabbit stick, which is a boomerang like weapon used for small game, such as rabbits, and our friction fire starting competition.

At 4-thousand years old, the park boasts the oldest pictographs in North America, making it the ideal place to get in touch with your inner caveman.

All ages are welcome in the competition. You have to register; and if you do not feel like being in any of the competitions, we do offer public demonstrations, which will be the atlatl and rabbit stick, flint napping, friction fire starting, cordage making from native plants, and replica artifacts of this area.

There is a $3.00 per person Entrance Fee, and winners receive prizes. Find details about the February 6 Archeolympics at Seminole Canyon SP and Historic site, on the TPW website.

That’s our show… For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.
____________________________________________________

February 6, 2010 — Seminole Canyon SP&HS — 3rd Annual Archeolympics — Step back into prehistory and compete in this fun, primitive skills event. Open to all skill levels, try your hand at atlatl spear throwing, rabbit stick throwing and a fire starting race. Demonstrations and displays of prehistoric technologies will be available for all to see. Call for rules and regulations. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (432) 292-4464.

Seminole Canyon: Archeolympics Play Now | Play in Popup | Download