By now we all know Geauga County is the 4th largest Amish population in the world, but did you know that Ohio is the 4th leading state in the nation for Bigfoot sightings? While these sightings have been on the increase, Bigfoot is certainly not new to Ohio. John’s Country Nursery in Middlefield will be hosting their 1st Annual “Gone Squatchin’ Bigfoot Festival” on July 19, and is inviting some of the experts to share their information and tales! Mike Miller, of the Ohio Night Stalkers research group will be one of the speakers.
Growing up, Mike Miller had a fascination with things like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster. In 2008 Mike saw a story about a local sighting of Bigfoot in Ohio, which he read and was intrigued by. He decided to conduct his own investigation and was immediately captivated by the numerous sightings in Ohio, noting the striking similarities among them over thousands of years. He decided it was time to dive a little deeper.
Miller is a member of the Ohio Night Stalker group, which conducts research and searches for evidence of Bigfoot, primarily operating in Adams and Scioto Counties. Mike has shared information on television shows such as “Terror in the Woods,” “These Woods are Haunted” and a documentary that was filmed here in Ohio “On the Trail of Bigfoot.” Although the group has not had any definitive sightings, they have managed to capture several recordings that are believed to be from a bigfoot. The recordings were sent to David Ellis, a professional Sound Analyst in Washington, who confirmed the sounds did not come from any known animal and could not be identified. Miller explained that Ohio might be credited with more sightings since we do not have the vast heavily wooded areas that the NW corner of the country does, making it harder for Bigfoot to stay unnoticed. Over the years there continue to be sightings, huge footprints, and damaged areas of woods with broken trees and no explanation.
If you would like to learn more, hear some of Miller’s stories and other presenters, or share your own experiences, mark your calendar for Saturday, July 19th 10am-5pm. John’s Country Nursery (15808 Old State Rd. Middlefield) will be holding a Gone Squatchin’ Bigfoot Festival, free admission-$2 parking fee. This will be a family friendly event with Speakers, Vendors, Music, Square Dancing, Food, Wildwood Express Barrel Rides, Raffles, and UNBLURRY pictures with Bigfoot! There will also be contest for the “Biggest Foot” and Best Bigfoot Call. For more information on the festival, or if you would like to be a vendor call 440-632-0016 or visit www.johnscountry.net.
