28th Annual World Atlatl Association Competition
The Atlatl predates the bow and arrow and was commonly used by Native Americans of this area to hunt bighorn sheep. Join the World Atlatl Association and Valley of Fire for the 28th annual World Atlatl Association competition. Discover the history of the Atlatl and the people who used it while watching participants from across the country compete.
28th Annual World Atlatl Association Competition
WHEN: Friday, March 29, 8:00 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Saturday, March 30, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
WHERE: Atlatl Rock Picnic Area
Atlatl Demonstration
Stop by Atlatl Rock picnic area to learn about the ancient spear-throwing tool known as the atlatl, its history in the Southwest, and how exactly it was used. A brief demonstration is included, and participants will then be given the opportunity to try throwing atlatls on their own.
WHEN: Friday, March 29, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
WHERE: Atlatl Rock Picnic Area
Ranger-Led Talk
Join a ranger and discover the history of the Atlatl and the people who used it.
WHEN: Friday, March 29, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
WHERE: Atlatl Rock Picnic Area
Make Your Own Petroglyphs Children’s Activity
One of the most well-known attractions at Valley of Fire State Park is the Native American petroglyphs found at Atlatl Rock, which date back hundreds to even thousands of years. Children that would like to learn more about petroglyphs should meet at the Atlatl Rock picnic area. Children will be provided with the materials to make their own petroglyphs, which will be theirs to keep.
WHEN: Saturday, March 30, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
WHERE: Atlatl Rock Picnic Area
Sand Painting Children’s Activity
The sand paintings of southwestern Native Americans are not only beautiful but also hold a heling purpose. Join a ranger to learn more about sand painting of the southwest and create your own. Families that would like to create a sand paining should meet at the Atlatl Rock picnic area. Children will be provided with the materials to make their own sand painting, which will be theirs to keep.
WHEN: Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
WHERE: Atlatl Rock Picnic Area
Award Ceremony
Join the World Atlatl Association and Valley of Fire for the 28th annual World Atlatl Association competition award ceremony. Plaques will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in the women’s, men’s, and youth divisions.
WHEN: Saturday, March 30, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
WHERE: Atlatl Rock Picnic Area
Moche Toss Demonstration
The Moche Toss is an atlatl game based on artwork found on pottery done by the ancient Moche Culture that inhabited the area that is now Peru from 100-800 CE. The game involves throwing darts at aerial targets (somewhat like an ancient version of skeet-shooting). Come learn about this ancient game, and how a member of the World Atlatl Association recreated the tools used by studying depictions found in Moche artwork.
WHEN: Saturday, March 30, 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday, March 31, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
WHERE: Atlatl Rock Picnic Area
Ranger-Led Talk
Join a ranger and discover the history of the Atlatl and the people who used it.
WHEN: Sunday, March 31, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
WHERE: Atlatl Rock Picnic Area
Atlatl Demonstration
Join a ranger and try your hand at throwing an Atlatl dart. Stop by Atlatl Rock picnic area to learn about the ancient spear-throwing tool known as the atlatl, its history in the Southwest, and how exactly it was used. A brief demonstration is included, and participants will then be given the opportunity to try throwing atlatls on their own.
WHEN: Sunday, March 31, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
WHERE: Atlatl Rock Picnic Area
