Knap-In Prehistoric Arts Festival coming up soon

The event on Feb. 15 and 16 will showcase specialists in native skills, such as those who make stone tools and carve dugout canoes.


These types of stone points will be featured during the Silver River Knap-in Prehistoric Arts Festival on Feb. 15 and 16 at Silver Springs State Park. [Submitted photo]

Home » Arts & Entertainment
Posted January 29, 2025 | By Susan Smiley-Height, [email protected]
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The Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center, located inside Silver Springs State Park, holds a treasure trove of artifacts from days gone by. The center and its surrounding area, which includes a Pioneer Village, also serves as a place where people with expert skills share their knowledge with visitors.

On Feb. 15 and 16, guests at the Silver River Knap-in Prehistoric Arts Festival will be able to watch as flint knappers, who are those who make stone tools such as spear points, as well as archaeologists, shell carvers, potters, hide tanners, bow makers, dugout canoe carvers and other specialists in native skills will gather from across the U.S. to demonstrate their crafts.

The unique event will offer displays of ancient Native American stone tools from Florida as well as hands-on activities such as archery and pottery making. Vendors will offer unique crafts and food for sale. Visitors also can tour the Silver River Museum, hike or bike the trails of the state park, or canoe and kayak on the pristine Silver River.

Hours for the 14th annual event are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. There will be free entry to the park and free parking. Admission to the festival is $10 per person; those ages 5 and younger will be admitted free. Pay by cash or mobile pay by phone at the entry gate, located at 1445 NE 58th Ave., Ocala. All proceeds will support educational programs at the Silver River Museum, which is a program of Marion County Schools.

For more information, go to silverrivermuseum.com or call (352) 236-5401.

Pottery and points such as these may be seen during the 14th annual event. [Submitted photo]

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