Central Plains Stone Age Show Returns to Fairview Oct. 4

When the Central Plains Stone Age Fair returns to Fairview Oct. 4, attendees will be able to view some of the most pristine examples of arrowheads, knives, points and other prehistoric artifacts located anywhere in the Central Plains.

According to organizer Dwayne Nickel, exhibitors from seven states including Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Colorado, Missouri, Arkansas and Arizona have confirmed they will be in attendance at the show.

Putting a show of this magnitude would not be possible without the support of the Fairview Lions Club, as they run the concession stand during the event and help with promotion of the event Nickel stated. Also helping make the show possible according to Nickel is Major County with the immaculate venue in which the show is held, Frank Huebert who helps with security during the event, and lastly the 35 plus vendors who will be in attendance at the event.

Nickel said the show will once again be free for the public to attend to see firsthand, world class exhibits right here in Fairview.

Though the event takes place on Saturday, Nickel said he highly encourages schools to attend, as this is quite possibly the largest collection of prehistoric man’s artifacts ever exhibited in northwest Oklahoma.

A highlight for this year’s event will be the last viewing of Dr. Jim Cox’s large collection of Spiro artifacts, before the pieces are donated to the Museum of Native American History in Bentonville, Ark., where they will then be on permanent display. Just some of the pieces making up Dr. Cox’s Spiro collection are ear spools, copper artifacts, prehistoric shells, among other fantastic items.

Dr. Cox was one of the founding members of Archaeology Society of Oklahoma in 2007, and due to his involvement in the field, this year’s show is will recognize him for his contributions. Dr. Cox has also been a loyal supporter at all five Fairview shows.

The Museum of Native American History in Bentonville, Ark., is owned by Dr. David Bogle, who is a registered member of the Cherokee Nation. The museum houses over 10,000 of the finest Native American artifacts. The museum features Bogle’s private collection, along with a number of collections donated and on loan to the museum for display.

A couple of the attendees from Colorado will be Rick Miller and Tom and Myra Westfall. A lot of Miller’s pieces are from the high plains region, and feature artifacts from the Paleo period. Miller has a passion for the protection of artifacts Nickel said, and added Miller is the Vice President of the Loveland Archaeology Society.

Westfall’s impressive collection features a lot of self-find pieces, with most of the artifacts being found in Colorado. He has been collecting for 40-50 years, is a member of the Archaeology Society in Colorado, and has authored numerous publications.

Westfall, along with his wife Myra, own and operate Mammoth Run Lithic Casting, which utilizes 3D technology to duplicate an authentic piece for museums and private collectors.

Additionally, Nickel wants the public to know the archeologists and staff will be eager to examine pieces brought in by citizens, and try to answer any questions from the age of a piece, origin of the piece etc.

Nickel also added a large amount of items gathered here in Major County will also be on display. Many of the items will consist of red and white alibates, which are a well known stone in western Oklahoma that originates from an ancient quarry near Amarillo.

Both Nickel and his brother, Lyle, will also be displaying their personal collection of artifacts, many of which come from the areas around Fairview. Both have been collecting artifacts since childhood on the family’s farm near Orienta.

Pieces of interest that will can also be seen at the show include Calf Creek Points, Western Oklahoma Papoose, Cody Complex artifacts, items dating back to around 7000-8000 B.C., Scotts Bluff items, San Cultural period items, drill punches of stone corner, numerous tangs and knives from various periods, Woodland period items and Clovis pieces. Mammoth and Mastedon items will also be on display, as well as highly collectible stone pipes along with fossils, Native American made pre-historic pottery.

Tom Steele, from Southwest Kansas, will also be in attendance offering for purchase some his first class hand-made artifact cases. There will also be a few vendors selling items to those who are looking to start collections of their own.

For more information on the show or further questions, contact Dwayne Nickel at 580-484-1193.

The event will be held at the Major County Fairgrounds Expo Building from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 4. Those with exhibits will set up their booth spaces Oct. 1 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Only authentic and legally collected items will be on display or being sold.

During the event the Fairview Lions Club will be operating a concession stand.