Owensboro will welcome a new kind of festival this fall — one dedicated to Bigfoot, cryptids, and all things paranormal. Organizers say the inaugural Blue Bridge Squatch Fest promises dozens of vendors, expert speakers, contests, and family-friendly activities — all benefiting local charities.
The event is set for September 26 at the Kentucky Sound Stage (formerly home to Malco Theater) on Frederica Street.
“We’ve been working on it for about four years now,” said Fred Chism, who is heading up the festival and has spent years traveling to similar events across the region. “We’ve seen how they draw people in. You’d be amazed, these things bring thousands.”
Chism said inspiration struck after attending a Bigfoot festival in Staunton, Kentucky, that far exceeded expectations.
“They prepared for maybe 3,000 or 4,000 people,” he said. “They had 12,000 go through it. And that’s in the middle of nowhere. People came from Northern Cincinnati, from Stanley — everywhere.”
That experience convinced Chism that Owensboro, surrounded by regional hubs such as Evansville, Henderson, and Bowling Green, is well-positioned to host a large-scale cryptid and paranormal event.
“We should be able to get at least 8,000 people for this first one,” he said. “We’re right in the middle of a bunch of big cities.”
Chism said the event site offers space for at least 75 vendors and one feature many Bigfoot festivals struggle with: parking.
“We’ve got at least 750 parking spots,” Chism said. “That’s a big thing. Some of these events shut whole towns down because there’s nowhere to park.”
Festival activities will include Bigfoot calling contests for both adults and kids, a cryptid costume contest featuring characters like Bigfoot, Mothman, and Dogman, and a drawing contest for children ages 16 and under. Organizers have confirmed six speakers so far, with additional announcements expected closer to the event.
Guest speakers include well-known figures in the cryptid and paranormal community: Charlie Raymond, founder of the Kentucky Bigfoot Research Organization; Zach Bales, a filmmaker and museum curator from Somerset; and John Reiners, an author and paranormal investigator. Two local researchers, Don Neil and Don Adkins, will present recordings and video footage connected to reported Kentucky sightings.
Festival organizers are in the process of establishing the event as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, ensuring proceeds directly benefit local causes.
“We’re doing this as a charity event to support Alzheimer’s awareness and the Brandon Mullins Foundation, which sponsors a military youth hunt every year,” Chism said.
The event will also feature live music, food trucks, face painting, and photo opportunities with the festival’s resident Sasquatch, “Sid.” Organizers are applying for a license to show Harry and the Hendersons throughout the day during the festival.
In addition, organizers are working with The Lure and The Lot on a possible after-event party, with details still being finalized. Discussions are also underway with the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum regarding additional offerings connected to the festival.
Ultimately, Chism hopes the Blue Bridge Squatch Fest will grow into a signature attraction for Owensboro.
“Our plan is to get people into Owensboro and let them know there’s something else here besides bourbon and bluegrass,” he said. “Those things are great, but the more we can offer, the better it is for our small businesses.”
With plans to expand and add more features before next fall, Chism said enthusiasm for the event is already strong.
“I haven’t been to one yet that was a failure,” he said. “If we can fill this place up — with our motels, our restaurants, our people — this could be something really big.”
