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.
