The Biggest Little Town Hosts 2nd Bigfoot Festival
Well-known Cryptozoologist Ken Gerhard was in attendance and was one of the speakers that day. You may have seen him on various television shows such as Monster Quest, America Unearthed, and Paranatural. He has traveled the world in search of evidence of Bigfoot, the Loch Ness monster, the Mothman, and others. He also had his many books available at the festival. Photo by PJ Martin
By Allyson Dix
Jobe Publishing, Inc.
Bigfoot made a grand appearance in Park City on October 11th, not the creature himself, but the crowds, excitement, and the small-town charm that came together for the second annual Park City Bigfoot Festival.
The event drew an estimated 3,000 visitors, nearly double last year’s attendance, as people from across Kentucky and many other states packed the small community of roughly 600 residents.
Festival organizers said the turnout far exceeded their expectations, filling Park City with curious visitors from near and far to celebrate the mysterious legend known as Bigfoot.
“This year was at least twice as big as last year,” said festival organizer and Park City Commissioner Mike Burgess, who also serves as president of the nonprofit Park City Bigfoot Festival, LLC. “We had to use more parking areas, and there were people everywhere. It’s amazing to see so many families come out and have fun.”
The idea for the festival was born around five years ago during regular nighttime nature walks at Mammoth Cave. Conversations for the local wildlife enthusiasts turned into talk about the famous forest-dwelling creature. Burgess said when he became a commissioner, he knew he wanted to make it happen, but it took a few years of planning and the right timing.
That planning paid off. What began last year with two guest speakers grew this year to six, including well-known Bigfoot researchers and enthusiasts who travel the country for similar events. Many of them said they had never experienced anything quite like Park City’s version.
“They told me this was the biggest small town they’d ever been to that hosted a festival of this size and turnout,” Burgess said.
The festival featured vendors, food trucks, and craft booths, along with a chainsaw artist who carves wooden Bigfoot statutes. Volunteers–including Burgess’ family members, grandchildren, and other community volunteers–worked tirelessly to manage the logistics of the festival.
“It takes a lot of people to make this happen,” Burgess said. “But just seeing the smiles on people’s faces makes it all worth it. It’s not just about Bigfoot–it’s about bringing people together, giving families something to enjoy, and doing it all free of charge. Most festivals aren’t free, and we’re proud to offer that here.”
The event’s success also gave a boost to local tourism in both Park City and neighboring Cave City, with hotels, restaurants, and shops benefiting from the influx of visitors.
With growing attendance and positive feedback from both locals and out-of-towners, Burgess said, as of now, they plan to start planning for the third Bigfoot festival.
“Park City might be small,” Burgess said, “but we’re proving we’re the biggest little town you can find.”
Author Thomas Herderson was on site with his many nonfiction and children’s fiction books. Photo by BCP Staff
Just one of the many casts on display, copies of the original casts taken by Bigfoot researchers. Photo by PJ Martin
David “Taters” Wickham is standing behind the life-sized Bigfoot created by Bo Bruns of Unit 70 Studios. Wickham stated that he likes to encourage kids to search for Bigfoot, if for no other reason than getting them to go out into the woods and enjoy nature and get off their cell phones and games. Photo by PJ Martin
