Bigfoot Conference

GEORGIA BIGFOOT CONFERENCE

Sasquatch. Yeti. Skunk Ape. And most often known as Bigfoot. In the canon of Cryptozoology, there is nary another creature that elicits such widespread fascination as does this one. Cryptozoology – defined as “a pseudoscience and subculture that searches for and studies unknown, legendary, or extinct animals whose present existence is disputed or unsubstantiated’ – has its equitable share of firm believers, many of whom are bringing their fascination to our little slice of Appalachia in Clayton, Georgia. The large, furry hominid has been spotted right here among our hemlocks and hardwoods, folks. The mystery of Bigfoot has been causing a stir for hundreds of years. With reported North American sightings dating back to 1792 as recorded in Noticias de Nutka: An Account of Nootka Sound, the journal of natural scientist, theologian, and author Jose Mariano Morizo, the idea of Bigfoot is ever-alluring. Nootka Sound, belonging to the rugged Pacific Northwest coast of Vancouver Island, marked the original of Canada’s sightings, with another famed recounting occurring in Alberta in 1811. Since then, Bigfoot has been spotted due south of Canada here in the US in all 50 states, with Washington leading the pack and California taking second place. Ohio, Oregon, and Florida round out the top 5 habitats for this celebrated beast. Bigfoot is least fond of Delaware and Rhode Island, respectively. Thought to stand between 7 and 11+ feet tall with a markedly sturdy and hulking build, alleged footprints have been discovered, casted at up to 18 inches in length and 9 inches in width. Let’s hope he’s a gentle giant. (The 80s kid in this guy harkens fond memories of watching the movie Harry and the Hendersons on HBO.)

BIGFOOT CONFERENCE RETURNS TO RABUN Holland, and Royce Beggs will also serve as special guests for you to meet. Dr. John himself is an experienced event creator, having organized several Comic-Cons before By Michael Detrick transferring over from the celebration of entities made of pen and marker and computer to those built of fur and wilderness mystique. Bigfoots, who purportedly travel along power lines when navigating from one area to another, “are all around”, says Stamey, who has had 15 sightings altogether. Of those 15, one occurred right here in Clayton just two years ago in 2020, and $15 is all you will need to attend this awesome event, celebrating one of North America’s greatest icons of legend and lore. As much as Stamey knows that Bigfoot is real, he knows beyond that so is the humanity and kindness of the people of Clayton: “The reason I keep doing this is because I meet the best people in the world. I cannot express my thanks to Annie Williams and Linda Scofield of the Rabun County Chamber of Commerce, who have been nothing short of incredible in getting this venture off the ground. And we are keeping it going.” Whether you have seen Bigfoot, would like to see Bigfoot, or would just like to meet some really cool people who are doing some very interesting things, the Georgia Bigfoot Conference may be just what you didn’t know you were looking for. Vendors will be on hand with Bigfoot merchandise, artwork, photos, and books. For tickets and more information, check out www.georgiabigfootconference.org. Georgia Bigfoot Conference Rabun County Civic Center Saturday, April 16, 2022 9:30 am – 5:30 pm

Fast forward to the present, and on April 16, the Rabun County Civic Center plays host to the 4th annual Georgia Bigfoot Conference. Organized by Bigfoot enthusiast and expert, and author of Introduction to Hominology and Bigfoot Field Study and Research Guide, Executive Director Dr. John Stamey has put together an impressive roster of Bigfoot experiencers from all over the country. As experiencers, these people have witnessed the phenomenon firsthand, and are excited to share their stories and observations with all who take an interest, however causal or devoted. Heading the group of those on hand who have spotted the storied beast are Robin and Pat McCray, international speakers on Bigfoot and cohosts of Stamey’s podcast ScaryCast. (An image of VanGogh’s “The Scream” will greet you on Spotify as you cross into the unknown.)

Rounding out the group are several other researchers, podcast hosts, filmmakers, authors, and Bigfoot experiencers. If you are a fan of The Walking Dead, cast members Sonya Thompson, Kevin