Wildman of the Woods

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Bigfoot at the Texas State Fair: Global Bigfoot

From Global Bigfoot: When I was ten, my mother and I attended the South Texas State Fair in Beaumont, Texas. Amidst the bustling fairgrounds, a sign caught my eye: "See the Body of a Real Sasquatch." Intrigued, I couldn't resist and ended up visiting the exhibit five times that evening.

The display was housed in a small trailer adorned with enlarged photos of the Patterson-Gimlin creature and various Bigfoot artwork. Inside a glass case lay a creature approximately seven feet long. Its round face featured deep eye sockets and a slightly open mouth, revealing some teeth. Notably, the figure was anatomically detailed, which I found both fascinating and perplexing.

Even at that young age, I was skeptical about its authenticity. The creature's facial features differed from popular Bigfoot depictions of the mid-1980s, including those from the Patterson-Gimlin film. Its round face, deep-set eyes, and grayish skin stood out. The fur was dark brown, and one arm rested by its side while the other lay across its chest.

Reflecting on the exhibit, I wondered whether it was an impressive special effects creation or a less convincing taxidermy piece. The anatomical accuracy puzzled me—why would someone include such details in a hoax? While it's likely the carcass was fabricated, its quality left a lasting impression.

Over the years, I've connected with others who recall similar Bigfoot exhibits at Texas fairs during the same period. If you encountered this or a similar display in Texas, Louisiana, or the Ark-La-Tex region between 1983 and 1985, please share your experience. You can comment here or email me at globalbigfoot@gmail.com.

The pursuit of Bigfoot has led to numerous intriguing exhibits and specimens. This particular encounter remains a vivid memory, prompting ongoing curiosity about what I witnessed that day.