ADDISON — The Chimney Point State Historic Site in Addison is hosting a modified Northeastern Open Atlatl Championship day on Saturday, Sept. 19. This is the 25th year of the annual event and will be a highlight also of the modified Vermont’s September Archaeology Month. 
Contestants and visitors must pre-register. Call 802-759-2412 and leave a message. Everyone must be prepared to practice social distancing (at least six feet) and must wear face masks. Consider bringing a picnic lunch and an outdoor portable chair for your comfort.
The Chimney Point field, on the shore of Lake Champlain, will be set up for accuracy and distance competitions. Contestants will use the atlatl, an ancient spear-throwing tool in use around the world before the bow and arrow, to test their prowess in accuracy and distance by throwing at a variety of targets. Event attendees can watch and cheer them on.
The competition starts with registration at 10:30 a.m., followed by the “International Standard Accuracy Competition,” the accuracy test with painted animal and other targets, and the distance event. The contest ends with a “Grand Champion” shootout. Also see an ancient game using atlatls, spears, and what looks like a large shuttlecock. Categories include youth (ages 16 and under) girl and boy, women, and men.  Competitors pay $7. Visitors are $5 adults, free under 15. The museum will be open at special times during the day. 
Archaeologist Charles Paquin will demonstrate ancient skills on the museum lawn or porch. Learn how to make Woodland pottery and more.
The Chimney Point State Historic Site presents the history of the region’s three earliest cultures — Native American, French Colonial, and early American. The site was used by Native Americans for thousands of years, was the location of the 1731 French fort, and the museum is in the c.1785 tavern building. It is located at 8149 VT Route 17W in Addison at the foot of the Lake Champlain Bridge. Phone number for pre-registration and information is 802-759-2412. The site is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays through Sundays, through Oct. 11.