“Bull’s eye!” Nothing is more satisfying than hearing those two words as your arrow hits its mark. Archery is fast becoming a sport enjoyed by people of all ages. Area residents can find out more about this fun and exciting sport when the Licking Park District hosts “Introduction to Archery” as part of the Outdoor Adventure Series. The program will take place on Saturday, July 18 at 10:00 a.m. at Riverview Preserve in Newark.

The bow and arrow is estimated to date back about 12,000 years and was used by prehistoric and historic cultures for hunting and combat. Today, they are used mostly in sport, either in hunting or competitive events. Today’s archers use several types of equipment as opposed to mostly longbows used by our ancestors. The competitive aspect of the sport is practiced around the world and has been an Olympic sanctioned event since its debut at the 1900 Summer Olympics. Since this time, 83 nations have participated in the Olympic archery events. Closer to home, competitive events are springing up in local schools, sportsman clubs, and state and national events sponsored by archery associations.

If you would like to learn about the sport of archery and get a chance to use some of the equipment, join us for this fun hands-on program. All archery equipment will be provided and certified instructors will be available to teach participants the proper and safe use of the equipment . Advanced registration is required by July 12 and there is a fee of $3.00 per person with a $10.00 max per family. Park Express Members are free. You may register by calling (740) 587-2535 or e-mail at mail@lickingparkdistrict.com.