Patrons can meet Bigfoot, Dogman and Mothman
By Barb Pert Templeton
A wild adventure that will include spotting mythical creatures at Fort Gratiot Kettlewell Pond Park will highlight a special upcoming event planned by the St. Clair County Library System.
On Saturday, May 31, the library’s first Cryptid Walk will be hosted from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Creatures such as Bigfoot, the Michigan Dogman, Mothman, and other cryptids will invade the park. The public’s invited to show up anytime during the two-hour event and partake in a variety of free activities.
Visitors can create a cryptid themed craft, take part in a scavenger hunt and enjoy other fun activities. There will also be a unique fun run, located at the paved Kettlewell Pond looped nature path in Fort Gratiot which is the area behind Meijer’s Fort Gratiot.
Blue Water Healthy Living posed questions about the upcoming event to the St. Clair County Library and Senior Adult Service Librarian Joseph Turbok responded with the following answers:
Blue Water Healthy Living: What exactly is a cryptid walk?
Joseph Turbok, senior adult services librarian: A cryptid walk is a fun run that will take place at the paved Kettlewell Pond looped nature path in Fort Gratiot. This is the area behind Meijer’s Fort Gratiot. The nearest parking is McIntyre Park at 4778 Parker Rd. Patrons will run into several cryptids during the event and be able to do several activities along the path.
BWHL: How did you get the idea for this type of event?
Turbok: The St. Clair County Library System has a zombie-themed fun run every fall at the same location. We wanted to do a similar event for the spring time. We like going out into the community in some way for programs and we wanted to celebrate the change in weather (which we always hope cooperates). We are all big fans of cryptid such as Bigfoot and Mothman. Presenters that we have had in the past who talked about these topics have always drawn a large and energetic crowd. Other libraries have had similar events but they were mostly a type of scavenger hunt activity. We wanted ours to be a little more interactive. We were joking over
what kind of library programs (crafting, lectures, etc) an actual cryptid would attend at the library which led to us creating different activities centered around cryptids for the event itself.
Wanted Posters will be part of the fun as patrons search for Bigfoot during the Cryptid Walk on May 31.
BWHL: Can you explain how the event will work – what’s on the agenda?
Turbok: Along the looped path of Kettlewell Pond, patrons will run into various cryptids whether it is a staff member in costume or a decoration. At each cryptid station there will be an activity such as a craft or a type of game to participate in. Patron will also be given a field guide that lists each cryptid and some general information on them. Younger patrons can take giveaways such as a safari hat, binoculars, etc so they can act like they are on the hunt for cryptids. There are also some stickers and tattoos to give away for people.
BWHL: What age group is this event geared towards?
Turbok: It is an all-ages event which includes teens and adults.
BWHL: Is this the first library event centered around Bigfoot?
Turbok: We have done a few Bigfoot related events in the past. Besides having presenters give lectures on Bigfoot, we had a Bigfoot scavenger hunt for kids a couple years ago. This included a photo or with a staff member in a Bigfoot costume.
BWHL: Can you share some information about the location for this event, Kettlewell Pond?
Turbok: Kettlewell Pond is a located in Fort Gratiot, behind the Meijer. There is a paved loop around the pond that is a popular biking/walking/jogging location for residents. It is free to park and visit. The library has had a couple outdoor events in the location and it is a wonderful location for outdoor activities.
Finding the Michigan Dogman will be one of the fun tasks assigned to visitors at Kettlewell Pond in Fort Gratiot
BWHL: Does the library have books on Big Foot? Michigan Dogman, Mothman? Are they popular items?
Turbok: Oh yes. We have a respectable collection of cryptid materials in both print and visual media. They remain popular every year. People love the unknown and hearing about these fascinating subjects.
BWHL: Is there pre-registration for this event?
Turbok: There is. Here is the link to register. https://sccl-mi.libcal.com/event/13914615
BWHL: Will there be costumed characters?
Turbok: Some staff members will be in costume, yes.
1 comment
Thank you Barb Templeton for the beautiful article you wrote about David L Simpson aka PAC MAN. We were in amazement of all the love and support that our son gave to his job, and community.. David had always tried to make a positive contribution to everything he did. He was passionate about his job, and community . We will always remember his dedication to make everything better for all people he met. Thanks to all the people who supported him in his time of need. Best Regards Lloyd Victoria Simpson