When expert primatologist Dr. Mireya Mayor visited Bowling Green in December, audience members were enthralled. A star and host of Discovery Channel’s hit series Expedition Bigfoot, Mayor brought energy, expertise, and excitement to the Capitol stage. When it was over, the energy was palpable! Knowing that the event left the Bigfoot fan base clamoring for more, discussions ensued between Dr. Mayor and WCPL Director Courtney Stevens, who both saw a great opportunity for an even bigger event! Wheels turned, ideas flowed, and conversations became plans. Seven months later, we are happy to share that the area’s first Bowling Green Bigfoot MiniCon is on the schedule for the first weekend in August!
The Bigfoot MiniCon will be a ticketed event that will again take place at the Capitol, with add-on social events hosted at the SoKY Marketplace. Events will feature Mayor PLUS an entire team of expert cryptozoologists, and it will provide multiple opportunities for Bigfoot and cryptid fans to delve into the experiences of acclaimed on-the-ground researchers. The main event takes place Saturday, August 3, from 10am until 5pm, when ticket holders can attend a day of presentations by the panel of researchers that also includes Dr. Jeff Meldrum, Russell Acord, and Ryan Golembeske.
Dr. Jeff Meldrum, Professor of Anatomy & Anthropology at Idaho State University, has researched primate locomotion for years, and his expertise has taken him all over the world. About his book Sasquatch: Legend Meets Science, Dr. Jane Goodall has noted, “Dr. Meldrum’s book… brings a much-needed level of scientific analysis to the sasquatch – or Bigfoot – debate.” Russell Acord, another Expedition Bigfoot host and star, has authored two books, Footprints of a Legend and Bigfoot and the Tripwire. This skilled survivalist is also a retired Army officer. Ryan Golembeske, another Expedition Bigfoot cast member, has been a lifelong Bigfoot hunter. He has traveled worldwide in an effort to track town cryptids and research paranormal events.
To get the party started early, fans have an opportunity to purchase add-on tickets that will allow them to socialize with these four internationally-acclaimed researchers. The “Cryptids & Cocktails” VIP experience is scheduled for Friday night at SoKY Marketplace.
For those not ready for the fun to end after Saturday’s MiniCon presentations, tickets are also available for an evening Bigfoot & Beer afterparty at the marketplace. Vendors will be on hand at the venue that night, selling custom Bigfoot and cryptid-themed wares.
Anyone wanting to delve into the mysteries of Bigfoot and other cryptids will NOT want to miss this unique experience, the first of its kind in the area! Individual tickets for the main event can be purchased through the Capitol’s website (capitolbg.org/get-tickets), and ticket options are available for the following packages:
BIGFOOT BUNDLE package (for all events Friday & Saturday):
•Cryptids & Cocktails VIP experience: Friday (8/2), 6pm @ SOKY Marketplace
•Bigfoot MiniCon Main Hall ticket (floor or balcony options): Saturday (8/3), 10am to 5pm @ the Capitol
•Beer & Bigfoot afterparty access: Saturday (8/3), 6pm @ SOKY Marketplace
CRYPTID COUPLET package (for Saturday events only):
•Bigfoot MiniCon Main Hall ticket
•Beer & Bigfoot afterparty access
Tickets can be purchased through the website; these links will take you directly there:
Individual MiniCon tickets & bundle packages: warrenpl.hometownticketing.com/embed/event/237
VIP event ONLY here: warrenpl.hometownticketing.com/embed/event/238
Afterparty event ONLY here: warrenpl.hometownticketing.com/embed/event/239
To inject some extra fun into the lead-up to the event, we will host two community art projects, which will be open to everyone!
The first will be an art contest open to all ages. Participants are invited to paint, draw, or sculpt their version of Bigfoot, not to exceed 18×24 inches in size. Entries are due for submission July 12 and will be put on display at the Capitol during the MiniCon. Winners will be judged in age categories, and prizes will include free admission to Friday’s presentations.
The second project will be a public art installation. “Hunt for BG Bigfoot” will be a life-size Bigfoot art crawl that features the artwork of six local artists: Jim Madison, David Jones, Andee Rudloff, Nellie Lutzwolf, Alexis Erskine, and Shane Gerow. Their Bigfoot creations will be stationed all around town, and we’ll ask “hunters” to seek, find, and document their discoveries on social media. Details and prize possibilities will be announced at the end of this month, so follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and (or) X to stay in the know!
-by Ashley Fowlkes
Digital Content Manager, Warren County Public Library
