Texas Bigfoot Conference. The 26th annual conference ran October 16–17 in Jefferson. Founder Craig Woolheater held the first Jefferson event in September 2001 with about 130 attendees. This year’s keynote came from Adam Davies, with speakers including Lyle Blackburn, Todd Neiss, Richard Taylor, Shelly Covington-Montana and the She-Squatchers. Marion County commissioners also declared Bigfoot the county’s official cryptid, following a 2023 safe-haven proclamation. (Marshall News Messenger)
WNC Bigfoot Festival. Marion, North Carolina, hosted its ninth festival this summer, drawing tens of thousands. Researcher Christian MacLeod told WFAE that AI-generated images undermine genuine research. (WFAE)
West Virginia Bigfoot Festival. The sixth edition took place October 9–11 at Nicholas County Veterans Memorial Park in Summersville, moved from Sutton. Organizer Laurel Petolicchio said the first year drew about 2,000 people and that visitors have come from France, Indonesia and Australia. The weekend featured a pro-wrestling exhibition, crafts and campfire sessions, and the festival helps fund the local museum. (WDTV; WVNS)