Happy Camp’s
Bigfoot Jamboree
Coming to Town!

by Judy Bushy

Friday night, August 31st  is the grand coronation of the Bigfoot Queen in Happy Camp. The event will take place in the River Park Pavilion at 6 PM in the evening. Following the presentation of the Queen and her court, the teen dance will begin.

Saturday will be a big day with food, crafts and other vendors all day at the park. The traditional Salmon BBQ with cook Bill Cook, will also be held.

Sunday is the “Wild West” parade at 11 o’clock beginning by the post office on Davis Road, down Highway 96 to Second Avenue where the parade turns down and over the bridge over Indian Creek. Kenny and Donna McCulley will be the Grand Marshalls of this years parade!

Come for fun and enjoy visiting with your neighbors along the banks of the wild Klamath River!

Planning “Wild West” Bigfoot Jamboree

By Judy Bushy

Despite all the excitement along the Klamath River with dozens of lightening caused fires in July, the Bigfoot jamboree is still planned for August 30th. That friday night will be the coronation of the Bigfoot Queen and the teen dance. Saturday all the vendors plan to be on hand again for food, fun, and games. This brings a great opportunity to visit with Klamath neighbors that have returned to Happy Camp!!

The theme for the parade that traditionally starts from Davis Road, is “Wild West.” Plan your float and begin to get ready! September 2nd the floats, marchers, horseback riders and other entries will gather between the post office and Parry’s Market for the parade down Highway 96 to Second Avenue to the bridge over Indian Creek. It’s a great time and the kids look forward to seeing Bigfoot!

In 1987 the fires caused the Bigfoot jamboree to be canceled but that’s a very rare situation since it began in 1966. Come visit the best Bigfoot Jamboree ever!!

Bigfoot Jamboree sees “40 years Searching for Bigfoot”

By Judy Bushy

The 40th Bigfoot Jamboree in Happy Camp was just wonderful!! The theme was “Forty Years Searching for Bigfoot” and an especially lively Bigfoot had been captured and brought in by cage for the occasion. Before the parade on Sunday, he could be seen running behind the post office, a baying basset hound at his heels. Thankfully the kids kept him in line with silly string that always seems to be the hit of the Jamboree.

The Grand prizewinner for the “Forty Years Searching for Bigfoot” parade was our local branch of the Scott Valley Bank. First place for organizations was the Boy and Cub Scouts, 2nd place was the dancers in Native American dress and drum beats and the third was the State of Jefferson organization.

Parade winners in the business category were Double J Sports & Sprits, 2nd – Evans Mercantile & Feed and also Elk Creek Campground. First place individual winner was Charlene Driskell in a beautiful golden horse drawn buggy. Other individual category winners were Ken’s Toys, the coolest collection of unique and classic cars seen in Happy Camp in many a day, and Randy & Kelsey with their horses. Frank and Clara Prindle were the Grand Marshalls.

Everett and Laverne Collard, former members of the community who are always appreciated for teaching and his law enforcement service, visited from Mt Shasta. Motorcycles to Klamath Artists riding motorcycles livened up the parade. The float from Christian Fellowship handed out bottles of water all along the parade route to thirsty parade watchers. Fire Departments from Seiad and Happy Camp, Forest Service rigs, and all sorts of vehicles joined the parade – bicycles to huge size trucks.

The Family Resource Center put on a delicious pork barbecue with baked beans and salad and all, that is, if you had room after sampling the Indian Tacos, Mexican, hamburger, ice and ice cream, Jody and Charlie’s pizza, and other offerings that booth vendors offered.

Child Evangelism Fellowship of Siskiyou County had puppet shows for the children. Louis Tiraterra and his group of scouts, assisted by other dens, provided spin painting, beanbag toss, and other fun times for the kids. The balloon man was a big hit and made fanciful beasts of all kinds all out of balloons, to say nothing of magic by Wayne and a Mime from Ashland who helped entertain. Smokey Bear came as well as the K9 Dog Corps.

Dr. Mathew Johnson, ‘Dr. J’, a licensed psychologist who practices in Grants Pass Oregon, came to speak. You see, when he isn’t practicing his profession, Dr. J likes to hike, camp, fish and hunt to say nothing of church and community events but several years ago when hiking with his family on Lone Tree Trail by Oregon Caves, he saw Bigfoot. He shared his experience with us. A humorous and interesting speaker, Dr. J. presented the hypothesis that the giganticus pithicus fossils that have been found in China might be indication that a primate matching the description of Bigfoot once lived and with all the sightings and evidences, we may see the scientific community acknowledges that, just as they have with the panda, the silver backed gorilla, and other rare and seldom seen creatures in remote areas. Dr. Johnson also donated copies of his book, ‘Positive Prenting with a Plan‘ to the Happy Camp community.

The Chamber of Commerce had information on houses for sale, or maps to help you locate a street in Happy Camp. The Lions had their dime game going, which provides toys and a Christmas party for the kids at Christmas time. The Seniors had their pull-tab booth where everyone was hoping to get the big winnings. You could get tea or a massage at other vendor’s booths. With all the excitement of Happy Camp Complex fires since the end of July when lightening started wildfires burning, there had been some question at times whether the Jamboree would happen. The committee kept on working on it and it all worked out in the end.

Thanks to Tracy Burcell, Janet Burcell, Leonie who is always answering questions with a smile, Donna McCulley, Tim Britton, and Linda Davis who did the artwork on the program. They all put in a lot of hours all year long so that the whole community has a wonderful Bigfoot Jamboree on Labor Day weekend. I hope they got a good rest on Monday, as they’ll soon begin working on next year’s event. There were so many delightful things to enjoy, you’ll just have to come and see next year.

Dr. Mathew Johnson To Speak About His Bigfoot Sighting At The Happy Camp Bigfoot Jamboree

Dr. Matthew Johnson

What would make a well-known expert on child rearing and families admit to having seen a hairy primate on a family outing at the Oregon Caves? It is one of those experiences that people look askance at you if it’s mentioned, or ask what you’d been imbibing in at the time. But if scientific training and intellectual honesty compel him to admit his experience, what does he have to say? Dr. Mathew Johnson will be presenting his PowerPoint presentation at the pavilion of the happy Camp River Park on Saturday afternoon at 5:30 p.m. You won’t want to miss it!

Bigfoot Jamboree 2004 & the New Visitors Center

Bigfoot Jamboree Theme

There are lots of summer days before Bigfoot Jamboree. But no matter how full of sun and fun, Bigfoot Jamboree will be here before you know it! The theme for this year’s Sunday Jamboree Parade is “Silver Streams & Golden Dreams.” Put on your thinking cap and think of applications of this theme to your float in the parade. Be creative! It will be fun to see the resulting floats on September 5th.

New Visitors Center

Saturday was a wonderful day! Many out of town visitors were here for the grand opening of the Visitor Information Center at the Forest Service office.. Peg Boland, Supervisor for the Klamath National Forest, Cheryl Wainwright for the Happy Camp Chamber of Commerce, and Tom Waddell filling in for the Karuk Tribe of California representative, cut the ribbon and invited the crowd of eager people in to see the new Visitor Information Center. It is beautiful!! There is a large wrap around desk where the receptionist and those who will be helping the visitors with questions can sit ready. Valerie has been doing that. With her move to another position, Veronica Salvage will be the smiling face greeting visitors now. An oak display rack holds a wealth of information on the area, wildlife, natural resources and businesses in the area from the Chamber of Commerce. More will be added.

There are areas where the youngest visitors can sit at a table and see an animal skull or feel the difference in vegetation that is used in basketry. The Karuk basket collection of Ruth Baker, which has been administered by Hazel Joyner, is on display so you can see the Karuk’s world-renowned basket skills. The most striking item is a manikin with the traditional regalia dress of the Karuk.

The mining history of the area is also apparent with the display of how a mine worked in the old days. Local artists have brought in their paintings and other artwork to display, which adds color and the proper setting for the displays. Alan Crockett teaches art classes, some of which will be going into the Marble Mountains for on the scene painting experiences. They brought art to bring these views to the visitor who stops by the center. Klamath Knot Arts Council is also involved in this part of the project. Photos and poetry as well as the actual “hands on” exhibits make this a wonderful slice of the resources of the area. Colleen Hall and Dan Huddleston are also thanked for their participation. Animals that had previously been on display in the forest service office are there to see, along with fascinating additions.

From the beginning of the idea of a Visitor Center, which Tom Waddell mentioned in the Action committee many times, to the fruition of the plan, it has taken a few years. It seems like all of the parts of the local community have been involved. Don Hall in Yreka as well as Valerie and Gay Baxter spent busy days helping the Chamber with memorandums, applications with necessary paperwork. That was back when Eddie Davenport was the president. Louis Tiraterra Sr. Louis Tiraterra Jr., and Dennis Day were working on drawings.

Fred Newoshi, Verna Reece, Alta Harper, Hazel Joyner as well as Arch Super and the Karuk Tribe of California provided support and assistance to the displays. People’s Center and the Visitor’s Center will be sharing displays and sending out visitors to each other for further information for years to come.

Nothing would have gotten accomplished without the help of the RAC, Sheryl Crawford, and Eddie Davenport; they provided the initial funding of $38,000 for the remodeling. It has turned out a very beautiful project. Information and assistance for visitors to enjoy our area more will be available. More exhibits and possibilities are anticipated. It will be a “work in progress” as more variety and presentations will vary with the seasons. You just need to stop by and see the displays. You’ll enjoy it. It is a perfect place for a visitor to our area to find out about recreational opportunities and get questions answered to make their stay more enjoyable!

Hope you didn’t miss the last meeting of the Children and youth Alcohol and other Drug Prevention Coalition. I was very sad to hear that Dr. Steven Burns has stepped down from the leadership of that group. De. Steve has done a wonderful job in founding this organization with a most important goal for our community to prevent alcohol and other drug abuse among our children and youth. Dr. Steve sent an email to let everyone know that he will not be able to continue actively working on the coalition project. Since moving his family to Happy Camp, he has become four times busier than he was in San Diego. He will be refocusing his time on his family and church activities as well as his many ongoing responsibilities as the town doctor. We thank Dr. Steve for getting the ball rolling on this alcohol and other drug prevention efforts in our community. Karen and Nadine are excited about the impact the Coalition can have on our river communities for our children.

Last day of school came and went for Happy Camp Elementary kids. Some of the boys and girls enjoyed their last day of school up at Slater Butte Look out!

I did attend the open meeting of the Chamber of Commerce last Tuesday. The Chamber, under Cheryl Wainwright has gone “high tech” and stepped into the modern world, as they say. The minutes are now usually sent by e-mail, saving both paper and postage.and membership is not a requirement. The first Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. is the regular monthly evening meeting so you can usually count on there being a meeting then unless informed otherwise even if an agenda is not received. By then the ‘Rollin on the River Bike Rally of July 2-4 will be history for the 4th year and there will be more time to take care of pressing Chamber needs. There is a big band coming to the Bike Rally and “Genuine Draft” will also play at the pavilion before the other band. There will be admission to the dance available to locals for those who don’t get the entire package. If you’d like more information on the event, having a booth for your organization or to register to attend the bike rally talk to John Gould who is in charge of the event and would be happy to help you.

The same weekend, there will be the second annual quilt show!! It was great to see all the wonderful quilts and crafts last year at Evans and the Old Town Park and it promises to be better than ever this year!!

June being for weddings, last week when electricity went out in Scott Valley, I’d wished HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to Ronald and Glenda Hockaday, Rick and Leslie Huston and Stan and Virginia Poeschel who are celebrating wedding anniversaries. I hope you all had as good a time as Dan and I did. Thursday night we celebrated out 38th wedding anniversary with a dinner out. “Happy Birthday”s also went to Bill Taylor and Silas, Alverna Bresette, Randy McLane. Jay Clark and Amy Lantz. Hope it was happy even though I am belated due to electrical outage!! Congratulations to all the graduates. Twenty young persons graduated from Happy Camp High School on Friday and others program marked the milestone in Mt. Shasta. May the Lord bless you as you face the future and assume the responsibilities of mature adults.

We hope to visit the Wild West Café in Seiad right next to the Seiad Store one day soon. They are open now Monday through Thursday from 7 am to 4 pm and Friday, Saturday and Sunday until 7 pm. Lisa West has done some remodeling and redesigning and had a chef’s salad and special Saturday of French dip and French fries. Saves a long drive to Yreka or Medford to save a night in the kitchen!! Looking forward to their milk shake.

Last Saturday was a really busy day for oodles and oodles of children of all sizes and shapes! It was the Outreach America in town with games and fun for the children. The kids got bicycles and all sorts of prizes and seemed to be enthusiastic about the event when I was able to find it at the high school football field. The Happy Camp Assembly of God was instrumental in bringing a team from Little Country Church to town for this special event for the kids.

That was the news on June 14th, 2004 for Happy Campers along the wild and scenic Klamath River at the top of California.

Bigfoot Jamboree – 2001

Cimeron looks at the Bigfoot Jamboree schedule
Cimeron looks at the
Bigfoot Jamboree schedule

“This is the best day of my life,” a twelve year old girl said, with a happy, dreamy look on her face, after a day of fun and festivity at Happy Camp’s annual Bigfoot Jamboree.

Events included a salmon barbecue, two dances, races for the kids, pancake breakfast, a parade, and so much more.

The coronation of Bigfoot Queen, Danielle McCarthy, took place on Friday night. Janet Burcell was crowned Jamboree Queen on Saturday night.

This year’s Bigfoot Jamboree also marked Happy Camp’s 150th birthday.

State of Jefferson Motorcycle Club
State of Jefferson Motorcycle Club

Buster & Dorothy Pence
Buster & Dorothy Pence, Grand Marshalls

Fire truck at the Bigfoot Jamboree Parade
Fire truck at the Bigfoot Jamboree Parade

Bigfoot Queen and Princess
Bigfoot Queen and Princess

Karuk Tribe Dancers 2001
Karuk Tribe Dancers 2001

Happy Birthday, Happy Camp!
Happy Birthday, Happy Camp!

Bigfoot
Bigfoot

Parade Float
Parade Float

Smokey the Bear
Smokey the Bear

Bigfoot statue project at the 2001 Bigfoot Jamboree
Bigfoot statue project at the 2001 Bigfoot Jamboree

Ralph Starritt and the Bigfoot scupture
Ralph Starritt and the Bigfoot scupture

Bigfoot Jamboree Vendors
Bigfoot Jamboree Vendors

Dogs at the Bigfoot Jamboree
Dogs (Bear and Mairi) with Cimeron at the Bigfoot Jamboree

Bingo at the Bigfoot Jamboree
Bingo at the Bigfoot Jamboree

Aaron Martin at the 2001 Bigfoot Jamboree
Aaron Martin at the 2001 Bigfoot Jamboree

Three Legged Race
Three Legged Race

Bigfoot Queen
Bigfoot Queen

Crowning of the Queen
Crowning of the Queen

Chamber of Commerce Country Store
Chamber of Commerce Country Store

Smokey the Bear
Smokey the Bear

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