HUNTINGDON — Whether it’s technology or other advancements, there are lots of primitive skills that we no longer use.

Come to think of it, some of these have not been used for centuries.

At Old-Fashioned Skills Day on Saturday, Aug. 26, officials at Greenwood Furnace State Park in Huntingdon will let folks take a step back in time and reconnect with the past.

“This one-day event is a chance to slow down and learn the hands-on crafts that built the community that once called our park home,” said Jen Moore, environmental education specialist at the Greenwood Furnace State Park Complex.

“Popular activities amongst participants include atlatl and the live raptors on site,” Moore added. “Visitors of all ages enjoy throwing atlatl and seeing the birds of prey up close.”

An atlatl, also called a spear-thrower or throwing stick, is a device throwing a spear or dart usually consisting of a rod or board with a groove on the upper surface and a hook at the rear to hold the weapon in place until its release.

Typically, they are made from wood, bamboo or antler and give great velocity and force to the weapon.

The event starts at 10 a.m. and continues until 2 p.m., offering the following activities all day long: shelter building, axe handle demonstration, fire starting, Native American tools and artifacts, Bannock bread, blacksmith demonstrations, candle dipping and ice cream. Most of the events will take place at the Blacksmith Shop.

There will also be a special exhibit about birds of prey.

“I have a volunteer that brings his birds and sets them up outdoors and does general education about each one,” Moore explained. “He has a variety of birds including barn owls, red-tail hawks, a buzzard and a peregrine falcon. I am not sure of the species or the number of birds he’ll bring.”

Additionally, there will be a sheep rock presentation by Sherman Stoltzfus at 11 a.m. and storytelling with Pennsylvania Jack at 12:30 p.m. Pennsylvania Jack will share stories from a time when Greenwood was the “wild west” frontier in the 1750s and other old-time stories, Moore said.

Admission to the event is free and all ages are welcome.

For more information, visit www.dcnr.pa.gov or find Greenwood Furnace State Park’s page on Facebook.