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2nd Annual Legends and Legacies Knap-in, Rocky Mountain House , Alberta, Canada
The first knap-in at Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, was a great success and attracted a good number of veteran knappers as well as lots of folks who had always wanted to learn about knapping but had never had a chance. There was seldom a spare minute when someone wasn’t asking to learn. It was gratifying to see eager novices actually make their first points. The smiles on their face showed how pleased they were. Subsequently our host, Parks Canada, was thrilled with the interactive nature of what we were doing and eagerly invited us back for 2016. The 2016 Knap-in will be held at the Rocky Mountain House Heritage Site on the outskirts of Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, Canada, during the Legends and Legacy weekend. This event draws 3000-4000 visitors annually that come to see history relived on this historic site where in 1799 the North West and Hudson’s Bay companies set up rival posts at the end of the fur trade line on the North Saskatchewan River. Competition was fierce at Rocky Mountain House, and during its 76-year history, nine different Aboriginal cultures came to this site to trade. Explorer, fur trader and map maker, David Thompson, used the North West Company post as a base for finding a pass across the Rocky Mountains. During the Legends and Legacy weekend many Aboriginal skills will be displayed, and we get to be a part of it! Arrangements have been made for free RV parking and/or tenting for our knappers, but since space is somewhat limited we have been asked to pre register for those sites. With this much lead time there should be ample room for everyone IF you pre register soon! To pre register the following is required. Email or call Russell Thornberry at OFF SITE ACCOMODATIONS For those who elect to stay in a hotel in Rocky Mountain House, below is a list and phone numbers of suitable accommodations. Be advised that Rocky Mountain House is a busy little town in the center of a brisk oil business and you will have to make reservations well in advance to get a room. HOTELS IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE Best Western Rocky Mountain House Inn & Suites 800 588 8520 Rocky Mountain House Canalta (403) 846 0088 Rocky Inn Express (403) 845 2871 Walking Eagle Inn 1-866-845-2131 For additional details all hotels are listed online. PROVIDED FOR KNAPPERS A suitable sheltered knapping area will be provided, as well as a safe lock-up area for our tools etc. after closing hours at night. The Heritage site has also agreed to provide us with nightly campfire areas adjacent to each of our camping spots. There is a food service (hot dogs and burgers and soft drinks) available on Saturday and Sunday at the Heritage Site. WHAT TO BRING Bring your knapping tools and lots of rock – enough for your needs and for those who who would like to learn. Unfortunately for us Albertans, we don’t have much for knappable rock up here, so we rely on our friends south of the border who have an abundance of obsidian to help us out. Thanks in advance for your generosity. Don’t forget your guitars (or whatever you play) for some music around the campfires. We will also provide opportunity for Atlatl and traditional archery, so bring your longbows bows and atlatls if you have them! Of course we will have the Goat and 10-Speed competitions, as well as other knapping activities and competitions! Saturday Night Potluck Dinner and Auction On Saturday night we have reserved the High Water House with a fully modern kitchen and plenty of seating for out potluck dinner. Be sure and bring a dish to share. Immediately after the potluck there will be out fundraiser auction so please bring an item or two for that purpose. Knapping Tools There will be a good selection of knapping tools available for sale for those in need. Be sure and let new comers that you encourage to come of the availability of tools for sale. As always, there will be tools on hand to loan to new comers who just want to try their hand at knapping on site. In addition, there will be protective gloves and eye protection available on site. ADDITIONAL ATTRACTIONS Especially for those coming to Alberta from the U.S., the world famous Calgary Stampede will be under way for 10 days in early July. This is the world’s largest rodeo and the surrounding festivities are enormous. You might want to take in some of the Stampede on your way up to the Knapp In and make a full-blown vacation of it. Check Calgary Stampede 2016 online for full details. WHERE IS ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE? From Calgary: Rocky Mountain House is two hours and seven northwest of Calgary, Alberta. See driving map from Calgary online at: Google Map - Calgary to RMH From Edmonton: Rocky Mountain House is two hours and forty-one minutes southeaast of Edmonton, Alberta. See driving map online from Edmonton at: http://www.distancecanada.com/edmonton_alberta_and_rockymountainhouse_alberta/route From Red Deer: Rocky Mountain House one hour west of Red Deer, Alberta. See driving map from Calgary online at: http://canada.distancesonline.com/Rocky-Mountain-House/Red-Deer,Alberta
Directions from Rocky Mountain House to the Heritage Site:
The National Historic Site is located 6 km west of Rocky Mountain House on Highway 11A.
Online Map: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/ab/rockymountain/visit/visit1.aspx I am looking forward to a reunion with all who came to our first Knapp-Inn at Fort Whoop Up last September in Lethbridge, Alberta, as well as meeting new Brothers of the Stone that I am sure will show up in July. Till then – Keep Chippin’! Russell Thornberry Box 100 Caroline, Alberta, Canada T0M 0M0
(403) 872 4866 |
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©2010 J Keffer |
