Bigfoot enthusiasts to celebrate all things sasquatch at annual Western Pa. festival

Dave Yeany, event organizer, placing a Bigfoot silhouette for the Bigfoot hunt at the Forest County Bigfoot Festival.

By Ashley Adams

June 5, 2024

The annual Forest County Bigfoot Festival is being held this weekend in Marienville and features a Bigfoot hunt, foot contest, and more.

Last year, around 30,000 people descended on the small town of Marienville for a weekend to celebrate all things sasquatch at the Forest County Bigfoot Festival.

This year, event organizer Dave Yeany is hoping to top that number. While he has never had an encounter with the hairy beast (though other Pennsylvanians claim they have), and wouldn’t classify himself as a Bigfoot enthusiast, Yeany started the festival four years ago to give his hometown — which has a population of about 3,500 people — a much needed economic boost. And it has done just that, and more, according to Yeany.

“It definitely is a regional success,” Yeany said. “I think that they can feel its impact in Clarion, Elk, Jefferson, Crawford, and Warren counties.

“Last year was wildly successful. There were a lot more people in attendance than what we ever anticipated. We had traffic backed up for 11 miles. People had fun. People had a blast.”

Yeany said the event should attract even more people this year because of “bigger name speakers” such as Cliff Barackman from Animal Planet’s “Finding Bigfoot” and Ernie Brown, Jr., nicknamed “The Turtleman,” who appeared on an episode of Animal Planet’s “Call of the Wildman.”

When is it?

The fifth annual 2024 Forest County Bigfoot Festival runs Friday through Sunday.

Where is it?

At the town circle in Marienville.

What’s going on during the festival?

There will be more than 100 vendors selling all kinds of interesting items. There will be close to 15 food trucks there as well.

In addition, there is live music, a Bigfoot hunt, a Bigfoot calling contest, a biggest foot contest, a 5K run, numerous expert speakers, and much more. Click here to check out a schedule of the events.

Author

Ashley Adams

In her 16 years in the communications industry, Ashley Adams has worn many hats, including news reporter, public relations writer, marketing specialist, copy editor and technical writer. Ashley grew up in Berks County and has since returned to her roots to raise her three children.

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