Archaeofest 2006

[Sharon Faulkner]

Archaeofest
Celebrate Alabama Archaeology Week
Brushy Lake Campground - Bankhead National Forest
Saturday, September 30th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Have fun and learn about the past!

Archaeology Festival programs and exhibits will be family oriented and include stone arrowhead manufacture (flint knapping) and making prehistoric pottery, as well as, stone carving, blowgun and spear thrower (atlatl) demonstrations. Brushy Campground is located on an archaeological site, so there will be a small-scale archaeological excavation with a few test units to show archaeological techniques and tools of the trade. “This Land is Your Land” is an anti-looting exhibit that will explain why archaeologists don’t want non-archaeologists to dig.

“Living history” performers, wearing costumes of the early Southeastern Indians, will be set up in a small “camp”. Members of Jackson’s Life Guards, a “living history” re-enactment unit portraying the Creek Indian War will be there with their cannon. There will be storytelling, a “hands on” archaeology box for children, face painting, beadwork, basket making, and a Southeastern Indian snake lore exhibit.

Other features include exhibits on the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), Indian uses of plants and animals, ancient sky watchers, and science and archaeology. Music, including Indian courting flute and drumming, will add to the festive atmosphere. There will be programs on cave archaeology, rock art, the Civil War in North Alabama, other local history, and information on protecting the past.

Food provided by the Double Springs Lions Club will be served at noon: hotdogs, soft drinks, and Indian Mound cake. Everyone interested in archaeology is invited. The event is free to the public. Please bring lawn chairs and/or a blanket.

Directions: To get to Brushy Lake Campground from Double Springs, take Hwy. 33 north 15 miles to the Pine Torch sign and turn right. Follow the paved road and turn left at the sign pointing to Brushy Lake.

From Moulton, take Hwy. 33 south 9 miles to the Pine Torch sign and turn left. Follow the paved road and turn left at the sign pointing to Brushy Lake.

For more information call: [phone] and ask about Archaeofest.

Rain date will be Oct. 14th.