Hope Lions Hear Program On “James Black’s Bowie Heritage Festival”

The Hope Lions Club heard from Dolly Henley and J.R. Cook on the “James Black’s Bowie Heritage Festival” set for April 20th at Historic Washington State Park.  The festival is set for 9am until 7pm that day and celebrates James Black, the bladesmith who forged the first Bowie Knife in Washington.  Henley noted special guests at the event will include Melissa Miller of “Naked and Afraid” and Jason Knight and Doug Marcaida of “Forged in Fire”.  Activities will include cutting competitions, a knife show, historical re-enactments, heritage and folk arts & crafts, a kids’ corner, food trucks, an original James Black Bowie Knife exhibit, and a live auction.  In addition to Cook, other master bladesmiths on hand will be Jerry Fisk, Lin Rhea, and Ricardo Vilar.

Cook showed the Lions two pieces of his work which included a Bowie Knife and a saber.  He explained the process he goes through to make knives and answered questions about the knife-making process.  The whole process is fascinating and those attending the festival can learn more about it.

For info on the James Black’s Bowie Heritage Festival, phone 870-648-5084 or check out VisitWashingtonAR. on facebook.