The Archaeology Roadshow is returning to Harney County on Saturday, June 29, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hines Park. This year, the Roadshow joined forces with the Harney County Cultural Coalition (HCCC) to present, not only the history and archaeology of our region, but also exciting exhibits and demonstrations from local artisans who carry on the traditions of their crafts. The event is a blend of two events — the Archaeology Roadshow and Cultural Crawl — and is a combination of the latest discoveries in the local world of history and archaeology and “living” history practiced by featured artisans from the area.

Funded by the Oregon Cultural Trust, the HCCC’s Cultural Crawl will showcase tradition keepers, people who have learned their craft from an elder or as an apprentice in their trade. Silver working, leather tooling and saddle making, rawhide braiders, obsidian “knappers,” beading artists showing native beadwork on deerskin, and cradleboard and basketry weavers will be there to demonstrate what they do and how they do it.

The Harney County Archaeology Roadshow will be joined by Portland State University for the third year, with numerous exhibits about local history and recent archaeological research. There will also be several hands-on exhibits such as the atlatl throw, tool making, and rides on a hay wagon pulled by a team of draft horses.

The Roadshow experts will also be available to help identify artifacts that visitors bring by. They will talk about the context of those relics and bring those mysterious prehistoric and historic objects, rocks, and fossils to life. However, because all artifacts are considered priceless objects that can help us understand past cultures, the experts will not offer dollar valuations.

The theme of the event is the “Archaeology of Daily Life.” The full spectrum of “daily life” will be on display, from the archaeological remains found at prehistoric village sites near Malheur Lake, to Chinese mining camps in the Blue Mountains, to modern reenactors displaying dress, weapons, and tools seen at rendezvous in the early 19th century in the Northwest and Rocky Mountains.

Food vendors will include Basque chorizo, Greek gyros, Indian tacos, and even cupcakes for those who need to tame their sweet tooth. Local musical talent will be on hand to perform throughout the event. The lineup will include bands by the names of Red Mabel, Out of the Ashes, and The RPMs.

Come early to catch all of the fun, food, and excitement and allow yourself plenty of time to enjoy all of the exhibits, demonstrations, and hands-on activities.

If you don’t get enough archaeology during the Roadshow/Cultural Crawl event, please join us at Archaeology on Tap at 5 p.m. at the Burns Elks Lodge for a dinner, speakers showcasing interesting and exciting local archaeological discoveries, and trivia contests where you can win prizes. The $10 dinner will include hamburgers and fries with all the fixings.