LOUDONVILLE — Bigfoot wasn’t captured Friday night by thermal drones at Lost Horizons Campground.
But something clearly visible to the eye this weekend in Loudonville is the public’s interest in the large, hairy creature — for believers and skeptics alike.
In its first year, the Mohican Bigfoot Festival attracted folks from around the area to the rural Ohio village, located just over two miles from Mohican State Park. The two-day festival offered family-friendly activities for all ages, as well as prime opportunities to hear about the latest Bigfoot research and findings.
Activities began Friday night at Lost Horizons Campground with a foot casting activity for kids. A thermal drone demonstration and community campfire followed after sunset.
“The campground was completely full,” said Angie Heimberger, who spearheaded the plan to create the festival last year. “The drone presentation was fantastic.
“They did not capture him (Bigfoot), but they did find some turkeys.”
Heimberger said another highlight from Friday night was the people who shared stories around the glow of the campfire.
“It was chilling to hear those reports,” she said.
First Mohican Bigfoot Festival a success
Festivities transferred to downtown Loudonville on Saturday, where visitors enjoyed food and merchandise vendors, face painting and other kids activities in Central Park.
Several local businesses offered themed food and drink options as well.
A nine-foot Bigfoot statue was a hit for photo opportunities inside Four Seasons Flowers & Gifts. Mohican Mayhem, a well known local Bigfoot, also dropped in to take pictures with festivalgoers.
Heimberger said there’s been a large amount of interest expressed in Bigfoot by her customers, specifically within the past few years.
“I’m very pleased with the outcome today (Saturday),” she said. “I think for our first year we’re doing fantastic. All the crafters and food vendors up in the park have been very busy and the theatre filled up quickly.”
The festival’s highlight was the speaker series at the Ohio Theatre. It included eight different speakers, ranging from Bigfoot field researchers to podcasters and an author.
Heimberger said her goal was to create an opportunity to bring people to Loudonville.
Based on the festival’s attendance — and the smiles on festivalgoers’ faces — it would seem that goal was achieved.
“I thought it would be a lost opportunity if we didn’t (have the festival),” she said. “It’s been a year in planning, so there’s a lot of work that went into this.
“We are very blessed for the turnout we’ve had today.”
Below are more photos from the Mohican Bigfoot Festival on Saturday in downtown Loudonville.
