By: Charles Romans
Carter County Times
They have been called a lot of different things in a lot of different places. Wood Booger, Knocker, Hairy Man, Skunk Ape, and even Yahoo. The indigenous people of North America commonly referred to it as Sasquatch, and in modern times the go to name is Bigfoot. Folks claim to hear its haunting call issuing from the woods and other lonely places, and numerous television shows have been dedicated to the search for evidence of a creature who is, indisputably, the master of hide and seek.
Whether we truly know what it is, there are some who believe in the existence of Bigfoot and others who do not believe, while some firmly straddle the fence. But whether you believe, disbelieve, or might believe, there is one indisputable fact – Bigfoot will be having his very own Festival in Olive Hill on Saturday, September 13, at 140 Railroad Street.
The event runs from noon until 7 pm, and will have live music by Neon Country, food trucks, and vendors with unique Bigfoot merchandise. There will also be face painting for kids (and grown-up kids), not to mention a Bigfoot Calling Contest. For those who really want to immerse themselves in Bigfoot there will also be a costume contest, and, of course, there will be a time set aside for people to share their own experiences.
The event will include a meet and greet with television personalities Turtle Man and Swamp Man, and will feature guest speakers Joe Perdue, Ron Lanham, Michael Cook, and Charles Romans. Emcee for the event will be Kentucky Bigfoot Research Organization founder Charlie Raymond. The event is hosted by the Carter County Bigfoot Research Group, and is sponsored by Carter County Tourism and Olive Hill Tourism.
The event has been planned by Tabatha Steagall of the Carter County Bigfoot Research Organization (CCBRO), who has been involved in Bigfoot hunting in Carter County for over ten years.
“I started it (CCBRO) about eleven years ago,” Steagall said. “People have shared their stories with us, and some have even let us come on their property to investigate.”
Steagall has even investigated around Carter Caves with her group, searching for the elusive creature.
Steagall was also recently featured on the show Red Earth Uncovered, a YouTube program produced by documentary filmmakers at Small Town Monsters. In addition, she has been a guest on numerous podcasts and has had visitors from all over the country come to help her hunt Bigfoot near her home in Grahn.
The idea for a Bigfoot Festival is something Steagall said she has thought of for years, but recently she mentioned it to a friend who she said kept pushing for it. Steagall said that she hopes the event will be a success and believes it will be because there are so many people in the Carter County area and surrounding counties who are fans of the elusive cryptid. She also hopes to see the show become an annual event people look forward to attending.
Steagall said she regularly posts any updates to the event such as guests, vendors, etc., on her Facebook page, and people can feel free to visit her there if they have any questions about the event.
Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com
