There WILL Be a Bigfoot Sighting in the Smokies on May 4th...Sort of
There is quite the excitement building for something you may not think is synonymous with the Smoky Mountains. Yes, Bigfoot, Sasquatch, The Missing Link, or whatever your preference of naming this elusive creature is being honored during the 4th Annual Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival in Townsend. May the Fourth be with you! Here are the details of the upcoming event.
Even if you’re not a Bigfoot zealot, this is an opportunity to have fun and meet tons of…well, interesting people who love to discuss the idea of the existence of the famous biped; or just those that are here for a good time, which aren’t mutually exclusive. In all seriousness, it is billed as a family-friendly event with a kid zone, live music, guest speakers, vendors, and food trucks.
Runners will be happy to know they will be holding a 5K and fun run. This will start at the Peaceful Side Social brewery and craft kitchen. If you’re not a runner, their “Swag Bag” comes with more perks than a gym and fitness club membership. You’ll get a Bigfoot T-shirt, medal, lanyard, headband, and a race bib—the latter is your ticket for free entry to the festival (a $25 savings)! The race begins at 9 AM, and they guarantee a Bigfoot sighting along the way. Again, this is meant to be a fun, jovial time, so sticks in the mud are not encouraged here.
Organizations devoted to the study and research of the hide and seek champion are alive and well in this country; in fact, here locally, the East Tennessee Bigfoot organization is doing this themselves. Their mission is to learn and keep an open mind on the validity of claims being made. They are happy to listen to any stories people have about an encounter, which can present itself in more ways than just a sighting. People have described lost time, strange noises and lights, but most notably—the smell. Throughout the years, Bigfoot has been given many names…Yeti, Mountain Devil, Skunk Ape, Yowie, to name a few. Regardless of what I think, it’s always good to keep an open mind, and as long as no one is hurting anyone, it’s all good to me.
Getting back to festival, in conclusion, it should be a fun event I haven’t necessarily ruled out attending. Again, this is about fun, learning, and being non-judgmental. There are a handful of speakers on the agenda, especially, a few from the Travel Channel’s “Expedition Bigfoot,” among others. Three fun Sasquatch-themed bands will also be playing on the Performance Pavilion, plus a carving tent featuring 14 world class chainsaw carvers will be creating art in front of riveted guests of the event. It should be a good time for all!
Will you be attending this fourth iteration of the Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival in beautiful Townsend, Tennessee, the Peaceful Side of the Smokies? It’s not too late to make plans! Thanks again for reading and subscribing to my publication. I appreciate the ongoing support from you all, and I hope you’ll continue to follow along for more Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg content!