The Wicksnippers

GWINN — Forsyth Forward invites the community and visitors from across the Upper Peninsula and beyond to gather for the first-ever Bigfoot and Bluegrass Festival, set for Friday and Saturday at Peter Nordeen Park in Gwinn.

The two-day festival blends outdoor adventure, environmentalism, music, local culture and, of course, Bigfoot.

The festival kicks off Friday evening with Marty Achatz, poet laureate of the Upper Peninsula and author of a celebrated book of Bigfoot poems. Achatz will take the stage at 6 p.m. Eastern time for an hour of storytelling and spoken word.

After his performance, Gabe Bailey, an Indiana-based artist and rising star, will headline the night from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Eastern time. Bailey has become a fan favorite on the Big 3 Concert stage each summer, and this time, the Big 3 themselves are bringing him to Gwinn to perform as part of this event.

Friday night’s event is more than entertainment, it’s a fundraiser for the Jack Gauthier family. Jack, a young man with a love for music, tragically passed away earlier this summer in a drowning accident.

All proceeds will go directly to support his family with related expenses.

Food vendors will be on site, and the local VFW beer tent will be open throughout the evening.

The festivities continue Saturday morning with the Bigfoot Stomp 5K. Registration opens at 9 a.m. Eastern time, with the all-ages run/walk kicking off at 10 a.m. The race begins and ends at Peter Nordeen Park.

At noon, the festival grounds officially open, offering something for everyone:

— Food and craft vendors;

— Kids zone with family activities;

— Educational seminars on topics like Leave No Trace outdoor ethics;

— Hands-on outdoor experiences including fly-fishing lessons and fly-tying demonstrations;

— Town hall question and answer with the U.P. Bigfoot Research Organization’s lead investigator;

— Sneak peek of the 2025 Fresh Coast Film Festival.

Then from noon until 11 p.m. Eastern time, bluegrass takes center stage. Three outstanding bluegrass-themed bands will entertain festival goers: Coldsprings, U.P. favorites from Chatham; Gentlemen Grifters, energetic bluegrass from Wisconsin; and The Wicksnippers, crowd-pleasing Wisconsin pickers.

The local VFW beer tent will also be open throughout Saturday, raising funds for the Gwinn post.

No Bigfoot festival would be complete without a Bigfoot sighting. Festival organizers confirm that Red Plaid Chad, Gwinn’s own friendly and mysterious Bigfoot, has sent word he’ll be making an appearance. Known for his love of the outdoors and flannel, Chad is thrilled that the Upper Peninsula is finally celebrating Bigfoot in his honor.