OLIVE HILL, Ky. — Bigfoot is back in Carter County, and this year, the legend is bringing even more family fun, entertainment, vendors and community spirit to Olive Hill.
The second annual Carter County Bigfoot Fest will take place Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 140 Railroad St. in Olive Hill.
The free public event will feature more than 40 craft vendors, food trucks, children’s activities, Bigfoot-themed attractions, meet-and-greet opportunities, live music, and more.
For event organizer Tabatha Steagall, the festival is a natural extension of her longtime interest in the legendary creature and the community’s fascination with Bigfoot.
Steagall founded the Carter County Bigfoot Research Group in 2014 after years of hearing about sightings throughout the area. She said she has personally heard reports of more than 100 sightings in Carter County and has had two sightings herself dating back to the late 1990s.
“The inspiration for the festival came from the love the community has for Bigfoot,” Steagall said. “When I started out in 2014 not as many people believed. I always say I liked Bigfoot before Bigfoot was cool. I’m just glad everyone has caught up.”
The inaugural festival in 2025 demonstrated that the community was ready for an event centered around the mysterious creature. Steagall said the response from both vendors and residents encouraged organizers to make this year’s festival even bigger.
“Vendors love a good festival and so does the community. We have strived harder this year to make this event even better,” she said.
One of the biggest changes this year will be an increased focus on children and families, with numerous free activities planned throughout the day.
“I wanted a free public event so everyone can enjoy it. That’s the only reason I’m doing it for the community to have fun and so vendors can make some extra money,” Steagall said. “I wish I had the money to make it all free.”
Children can enjoy activities including face painting, balloon animals and a Kids Zone, along with opportunities to take part in the festival’s other family-friendly attractions.
Steagall said she hopes the Kids Zone will continue to grow in future years and become a memorable part of the festival.
“I hope the Kids Zone will grow every year to be better. I want every kid to feel like they have been somewhere special for the day,” she said.
The festival will also feature an extensive lineup of special guests and speakers, including Turtle Man, Swamp Man, Squatchman, Charlie Raymond, Wild and Weird West Virginia, Scooby-Doo, and Bigfoot himself.
Steagall said she selected speakers she knows and trusts to provide quality information while also choosing guests who would offer a memorable experience for attendees.
“I’m really excited to see people enjoying the speakers and hearing their knowledge and seeing the meet and greet guests,” she said.
Also among this year’s featured guests is Byron Cherry, known for his role as Coy Duke on “The Dukes of Hazzard”, along with the iconic General Lee car. For Steagall, that appearance will have a personal connection.
“I have never met Byron Cherry, but having memories of watching the “The Dukes of Hazzard” with my papaw and uncle will make that special,” she said.
Wild Bill, who appeared at last year’s festival, will also return. Steagall said his connection to the community has continued to grow since his first visit.
“He came last year and has been back to our town about ten times since. He has become part of our family,” she said.
In addition to the guest appearances, Bigfoot will be woven throughout the festival experience, from photo opportunities and educational presentations to merchandise and other offerings from vendors.
Attendees can browse a wide variety of handmade and locally produced items, including 3D prints, woodwork, leather goods, quilts, door hangers, wreaths, children’s toys, shirts, cups, pottery, sensory boxes, slime, produce and more.
Numerous food trucks and food vendors from the local community will also be on hand.
Steagall said supporting local residents and businesses has been an important part of the festival from the beginning.
“I really wanted to help our community and help people in our area raise extra money,” she said.
That community support has been a defining feature of the festival.
Steagall said the 2026 event has nearly fifty sponsors, while other local businesses have helped in a variety of ways, including selling festival shirts, displaying signs, and even hiding small Bigfoot figures around the community.
“I think the Carter County Bigfoot Fest has heart. The community and business support has been overwhelming,” Steagall said.
While Bigfoot may be at the center of the event, Steagall emphasized that attendees do not have to be believers to enjoy the festival.
“I hope they learn about Bigfoot in our area, and in Kentucky. However, I just hope they have a fun time no matter what their belief is on Bigfoot. I never have wanted to make people believe in Bigfoot and I realize it’s fun for the community, whether you are a believer or not,” she said.
For Steagall, the festival’s greatest success may simply be giving people an opportunity to make memories together.
She recalled hearing from a woman following the 2025 festival who had promised her grandson she would take him to see Wild Bill, but became ill and was unable to make the trip. After Wild Bill appeared at the Carter County Bigfoot Fest, she was able to keep that promise.
“She said we let her keep her promise to her grandson and she was so thankful. That really made my heart happy and made all the hard work worth it,” Steagall said.
