Archaeologist will speak at Earthfest
Other events include Wolf Visions and a drum circle Vernon Archaeologist and Lenape Indian expert John Kraft will be a featured exhibitor, sponsored by the Vernon Historical Society, at Earthfest on Sunday, April 26 at Mountain Creek South. In addition to a special one-hour presentation at 12:30 p.m., Kraft will be on hand all day with his Lenape displays and visitors may bring artifacts and other objects that Kraft will examine and identify. Kraft, founder of Lenape Lifeways, discovered and excavated many Lenape villages and artifacts. He will talk about how the first inhabitants dressed, built shelters, grew crops, fished, hunted, cooked, made tools and weapons and much more. Throughout the day, many artifacts such as tools, weapons, masks, clothing, containers and musical instruments will be on display for the audience to have a hands-on experience. Lenape Lifeways is a not-for-profit educational organization dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the prehistory of New Jersey and the surrounding region. Live raptors to be exhibited Other featured exhibitors and presentations at Earthfest, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., are the following: Wolf Visions n This presentation will dispel the myths and legends of wolves and provide information that will develop a basic understanding of communication within a wolf pack and the social structure of the wolf family. The highlight of this program is the introduction of the center’s live lupine canine. Drum Circle Come learn how to play the drums in this interactive native music and dance. Develop a love for music and perhaps a belief that music can somehow be used to change things for the better. Snakes-N-Scales n This environmental education program is for people of all ages, with an emphasis on learning through enjoyment. They will present two interactive presentations called “Sea Life Show” and “Strange World of Reptiles.” Wonderband n Annie and her husband, Safari Bob, present an interactive show that includes music inspired by the Wonders of Nature. Steve Charney & Harry present Comedy, Magic, Music, Ventriloquism and much more. New Yorker magazine called Charney “a scholar of various types of lunacy.” Close Encounters with Birds of Prey n The Delaware Valley Raptor Center will bring five live raptors: a hawk, a falcon, two owls, and an eagle for a one-hour talk covering predator/prey relationships, wildlife rehabilitation, specific adaptations of the birds present, and various issues facing wildlife today. Mad Science Delivering hands-on science experiences for children that are as entertaining as they are educational, Mad Science is the world’s leading science enrichment provider. Skylar May n Skylar May is the opening act for the Jonas Brothers. She will perform on the main stage. In addition, there will be performances by local dance school Simply Dance; karate demonstrations by Vernon Valley Karate School; karaoke; photography and art displays by local students; The Smoke House, fire trucks, police cars, and ambulances on display; guided hikes; hang gliding; cave/bat presentations; and many vendor booths. Booth rental is available on a first come-first served basis. Call 973-764-0764 for information. There will also be a township-wide bulk cleanup at the DPW complex on Church Street for Vernon Township residents from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call the Vernon Department of Public Works at 973-764-3021 for information, or check the township Web site at www.vernontwp.com for details and fees.