Kevin Patton founder of the Paynes Prairie Knap-in with an assistant and Mark Bracken from Canton, Ga.

Ohio Flint Ridge blades by Roy Miller

Mark Condron and his daughter Britiany from Spring Hill, FL with knives and Florida agatized coral.

If you missed the Paynes Prairie knap-in you missed a new knap-in that was a great event. This knap-in took place the following weekend of the Florida knap-in. Many out of site knappers stayed on to do two knap-ins in two weeks. Those that did were really glad. The Florida State Park really out did themselves for us. My hats off to Kevin Patton who approached his supervisors and proposed this event. This Park is known for its outstanding commitment to Living History and the promotion of top quality events. The site was beautiful. Lighted pavillions, help with set-up, free camping just to name a few. The park is in a historic part of Florida between Ocala and a few miles south of Gainesville.Thousands of dollars were donated to advertise this event and the public responded as over 3000 visitors came to see what a KNAP-IN was all about. All knapping vendors were surprised by the turnout and there will be alot of new knappers in Florida I expect!! Kevin stated that the overwhelming response insures this event will be on for next year, so plan your vacation now. Florida in February, weather can`t be beat, come and see what Southern hospitality is all about.

Author: Mark Condron
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Photos © Doug Kreis 1998
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