Bigfoot Festival To Be Held Deep In The Woods Of Pennsylvania

PENNSYLVANIA — Deep in the backwoods of Pennsylvania's Allegheny National Forest, there is no telling what a traveler may come across. This is a land of black bears and beavers, minks and muskrats, ospreys and owls. Rattlesnakes sun on stones in summer, and stranger things move through the woods by night. Even a veteran wildlife biologist may be unsure of every shadowy figure seen, every rustle in the distant brush or odd print in the dark mud.

In honor of one of the most elusive of all creatures, one remote county in Pennsylvania will hold a festival to celebrate its mystique and beauty.

The Forest County Bigfoot Festival will be held June 11-13 in Marienville at the Town Circle.

The family-friendly event will feature many thematic activities: games, guest speakers, and artisans and crafters will all contribute in their unique way to the festival's Bigfoot aura.

"Experienced bigfoot hunters will share their stories," organizers say, and Saturday night will feature a contest where participants take turns "calling" out to Bigfoot, presumably lurking and curious in the bush just beyond the firelight, to join the festivities.

Though all this fanfare would appear to be paying homage to one of the foremost figures of American wilderness lore, it seems doubtful Bigfoot would appreciate the centerpiece of the weekend: the "Bigfoot Hunt."

Though firearms are strictly prohibited for the hunt — you may use your camera only — the terminology alone may be enough to irk this giant of dubious gentleness. Organizers have placed 10 Bigfoot silhouettes throughout the National Forest, and presumably photos of these silhouettes will earn you the same Sasquatch cred as images of the real thing.

There is a $10 registration fee for valid hunting licenses, and you must pre-register online. The hunt begins at 6 p.m. Friday, and ends at noon on Sunday.

Other features include a 5k run, movies, live music, food trucks, and more.