First-Ever Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Conference to be Held in Gatlinburg
Have you ever thought you’ve spotted Bigfoot during one of your hikes in the Smoky Mountains? Probably not, but you still might believe in this giant, ape-like creature! If you’re interested in hearing more about Bigfoot, we have good news. Gatlinburg is home to the very first Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Conference on July 27! Here is everything you need to know about the event:
What to Expect at the Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Conference
The Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Conference is an all-day event during which America’s most experienced Bigfoot researchers will gather to share stories about their Bigfoot investigations and encounters. Cliff Barackman will be at the event, who is a Bigfoot field researcher and co-host of Animal Planet’s “Finding Bigfoot.” Other speakers at the event include Matt Pruitt, a researcher at NAWAC, Scott Carpenter, an author whose been researching Bigfoot since 2009, John Bruner, who heads the local search group Bigfoot 911, and Matt Seeber, founder of East Tennessee Bigfoot. There will be a short Q & A after each speaker. The Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Conference will be held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.
Ticket Information & VIP Dinner
Unfortunately, tickets for the Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Conference this year are sold out. We have good news, though. If you didn’t get a chance to purchase your tickets, you can still pay to attend a VIP dinner with Cliff Barackman! Tickets for the dinner are $50. The VIP Meet and Greet dinner will be held on Friday, July 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. It includes a ride on the Aerial Tram up to Ober Gatlinburg, a taco bar dinner, beverages, and dessert. You’ll also get a professional photo with Cliff Barackman!
About East Tennessee Bigfoot
If you want to learn more about Bigfoot sightings in East Tennessee, you’re in luck! There is a whole group in East Tennessee dedicated to researching the creature and any sightings that have been made in the area. The organization was formed in 2005 by Matt Seeber, who will speak at the Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Conference! He was inspired by a Bigfoot sighting by a family member and found that there were several other stories from members in the community. On the organization’s Facebook page, you can read posts about Bigfoot sightings and encounters in the Smoky Mountain area and can even send it any of your own! Here is one of the most recent “Bigfoot sightings” in the area:
Other Events in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
The Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Conference is just one of many events that will be held in the Gatlinburg area in the upcoming months. Here are a few well known events in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge:
Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival: This popular festival in downtown Gatlinburg is held from Aug. 11 to Aug. 18 and features free live entertainment and a variety of opportunities for songwriters. There will be a song competition, workshops, co-writing with hit writers, mentoring sessions, and more.
Sevier County Fair: The Sevier County Fair lets visitors enjoy all the traditions of a hometown fair! There’ll be carnival rides, games, contests, concerts, and more. This year’s fair is held from Aug. 27 through Sept. 2.
Fall Rod Run: The Fall Rod Run is the biggest car show in Pigeon Forge! It will be held Sept. 12 through Sept. 14 and features a cash giveaway, awards, and a huge swap meet with hundreds or show cars and car corral.
If you missed the chance to get your tickets to the Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Conference this year, don’t worry — there’s always the possibility of next year! We’ll update you with a recap of the event once it happens. In the meantime, check out more great events in Gatlinburg you should attend during your trip to the Smoky Mountains.
