Second Annual Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival

Okay, that's it. I'm owning it right now. I love all things Bigfoot. And it has nothing to do with the fact that I wear size 15 shoes.

I've regaled you enough with my story about the pseudo-encounter my family had in Arkansas back in the early 70s. And you might remember when it was reported a little later in that decade that there had been a sighting out on Fairview Drive, although the description of whatever it was a little on the vague side.

Also, I was really jazzed when they THINK they found Bigfoot DNA in eastern Kentucky. Yes, even it stretches plausibility, I am intrigued by all of this.

So it would follow that I am also VERY intrigued about the Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival happening in the spring of 2022. Bonus points for the organizers for giving me plenty of time to plan the adventure. I hope I can go.

Honestly, whoever is in charge of event planning in eastern Tennessee deserves some kind of award. There literally is ALWAYS something to do in the Smokies--up to and including celebrating a creature that might not even exist. Yes, I know that's blasphemous in certain circles. Oh well. I still love it all.

The festival will take place in Townsend, Tennessee on Saturday, May 7th, 2022 from noon to 6 PM.

Right now, the second annual event is in the early planning stages but last year there was a Bigfoot 5K, evidence displays, and, hilariously, a Bigfoot calling contest. And so much more. In fact, here is a lot of photos from last year's event:

It sounds like so much fun. I didn't see an official storytelling hour or something like it, but I'm sure the stories will be flying.

You know, there IS a website that lists Bigfoot sightings in Kentucky, but there have been none around here since 2019.

I haven't found a similar site for Tennessee, but if the Volunteer State is going to host a Bigfoot festival, maybe somebody should get that ball rolling.

And who knows, maybe one day, Dolly Parton--arguably east Tennessee's most famous hometown girl--will do a duet with the big guy. She'd totally be down for it, right?

LOOK: Stunning vintage photos capture the beauty of America's national parks

Today these parks are located throughout the country in 25 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The land encompassing them was either purchased or donated, though much of it had been inhabited by native people for thousands of years before the founding of the United States. These areas are protected and revered as educational resources about the natural world, and as spaces for exploration.

Keep scrolling for 50 vintage photos that show the beauty of America's national parks.

Kentucky's Nuisance Animals

A couple of these creatures would cross over into the "dangerous" category, but the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife says that these are ALL nuisances, and with good reason.