Bear Heister wears a tooth of one such mammal, hanging from a string around his neck quite comfortably. Bear admitted that he has, on at least one occasion, maybe more, tangled with a large bear species. Besides appearing to be a bear aficionado, a seasoned storyteller, and good with his hands, Bear Heister is, by no means, a macho man. His hobby is weaving string, as was done daily by our ancestors and indigenous Americans alike.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY PENNY MCGEE
Special to the Monitor
“Let It Shine” was the 2024 Yesterday’s Festival theme, held on January 27 at the Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park.
“The weather was great,” said Park Specialist Annalee Maloney. “We think that around a thousand people, including campers, came through these gates for the festival this year.”
A tram ran throughout the 2,400-acre park, making it easier for families to see the expansive woodlands, rolling hills, lakes, and ravines. A variety of hobbyists, activities, and vendors represented the simpler time in “Old Florida.”
The Friends of Gold Head State Park and Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail raises funds with events such as the Yesterday’s Festival to help improve the public’s enjoyment of the park and the trail.
Bill Moran and his musical statement topped off the day when he took the stand as the sun began easing down slowly, reflecting the warmth of the day during the 2024 Yesterday’s Festival. Starting with Roger Miller, Moran eloquently eased into songs from Woodie Guthrie. An array of songs from the sixties were not overlooked either, with Joni Mitchell and James Taylor casting shadows through this music of a bygone era. He wrapped up the set with “I’m Gonna Let It Shine,” a reflective rhapsody of the Yesterday’s Festival theme.Kevin G Patton, Park Specialist, and experimental archeologist taught festival-goers how to shoot bows, arrows, and spears propelled by atlatls. Patton also gave lessons in making replicas of these weapons used by indigenous North Americans. “Any old stick will do,” said Patton, referring to the carving of spears and atlatls. The latter gave the spear thrower critical power of propulsion, or thrust, for hunting and swiftly bringing down prey. “These two weapons used together could be much more quickly made when hunting long hours,” he said, “in a situation when time was always of the essence. The atlatl was quite possibly the difference between survival and extinction for early man.”Approximately 1,000 people, plenty of campers among them, visited the grounds of Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park for the 2024 Yesterday’s Festival. The tram, pictured here, was an innovative way to experience the various activities, such as antique cars, tools, and weapons, among many other examples of survival sustenance and activities of indigenous Floridians and early pioneers. Beyond the unique activities of the past, there was also the pristine experience of native woodlands, ravines, marshes, scrub, lakes, and rolling sandhills to be cherished at one of the oldest state parks in Florida
Get involved: Get more details about joining Friends of Gold Head State Park and Palatka to Lake Butler State Trail by visiting www.facebook.com/GoldHeadParkandPTLBStateTrailFriends
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