Spring 2010
Annual World Atlatl Association Competition at Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire has sponsored an annual atlatl competition, in conjunction with the World Atlatl Association (WAA). Each spring this event attracts participants from all over the world. According to WAA, the event continues to be the nation’s largest.
An event of this caliber attracts international media attention. In 1998, the Las Vegas Review Journal ran a cover page story and several other articles about the event. Articles also appeared in several countries where atlatl competitions are popular, such as, Australia.
Description: Using an atlatl and darts, competitors are scored for accuracy and distance. Visitors are encouraged to learn how to use an atlatl, through various demonstrations, and participate in the competition.
Our visitors will learn about the ancient way of life and the tools they used, both by demonstration and “hands on”. The competition has three divisions, the Men’s division, Women’s division and the Youth division. There is first, second and third place awards that are given. All equipment is provided (atlatl’s and darts) and that free lessons are given before the contest. So everyone is encouraged to participate. For more information about the Atlatl Competition, contact Valley of Fire State Park at (702) 397-2088.
Spring – Fort Churchill State Historic Park Civil War Encampment
The Civil War Encampment is provided by the Nevada Civil War Volunteers, Headquarters, P.O. Box 11033, Reno, NV 89510. The group has a spring encampment each year at Fort Churchill.
The spring encampment is usually around Memorial Day weekend. The Nevada Civil war Volunteers usually set up their camp on the lawn area in front of the Visitor Center. They present living history and 1860 military camp life with cannon firing demonstrations, bullet molding, and communications systems displays.
The ladies in the group represent the wives that would have traveled with the troops and lived on the outskirts of the soldiers encampment. They feature a lady selling hats and parasols, while other are mending uniforms, writing letters, or baking.
For more information about the Civil War Encampment at Fort Churchill State Historic Park, call (775) 577-2345.
Source: Nevada State Parks
