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"FlintFest" This Weekend At Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument

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By NPT Staff - October 1st, 2015

The wonders of flint will be the main attraction this weekend at Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument in Texas, as FlintFest 2015 is held to celebrate flint and mark the monument's 50th anniversary.

Join some of the best flintknappers from around the area as they demonstrate the skill of making stone tools and weapons. Learn about the flintknapping process while watching arrowheads and spear points being made on site by demonstrators using the exact same techniques once used by ancient Native Americans. Listen to the beautiful music of Paul and Grace Jones, from Taos, New Mexico, as they demonstrate the making of Native American flutes and discuss the history and art of traditional Kokopelli flute building. Use an atlatl to throw spears, just as the Paleo Indians of the past, during prehistoric weapons demonstrations.

Special Ranger-led programs will include tours to the ruins of an Antelope Creek Peoples Village, walks on what was once the LX Ranch to learn about the days when cowboys ruled the plains, behind-the-scenes tours of the 1904 McBride Ranch House, and Alibates Flint Quarries tours.

Native American flute players/NPS

Paul and Grace Jones will demonstrate Native American flutes on Saturday during FlintFest 2015/NPS

Activities will be offered between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day. Tours are free. If you are interested in one of the special tours sign-up at the front desk at the Alibates Visitor Center. Each tour will be limited to 25 people for protection of the resource.

One event is a theater presentation by author Audrey Kalivoda entitled "Following the Parker Trail." Kalivoda will share the poignant story of Cynthia Ann Parker. Taken from her family when she was nine years old, Parker became Comanche. Her oldest son, Quanah, would become a leader of his people.

You also will be able to learn about uses of the buffalo, and see Native American dress and maybe learn a dance of two from Minoma Littlehawk-Sills, member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Nation of Oklahoma as she shares her culture to keep the memories of her ancestors alive.

Become an official Junior Ranger and earn not only a badge, but also a free T-shirt. Ranger-guided activities include an archaeological dig designed for young visitors and the opportunity to try your hand at grinding corn with the prehistoric metate.

This year also marked the installation of a brand new state-of-the-art museum and exhibit area at the Alibates Flint Quarries Visitor Center featuring educational hands-on and interactive exhibits fun for the entire family.

You can find the full schedule of the weekend celebration at this site.

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