During the weekend event, thousands of tourists flock to the area to see if they can catch a glimpse of the Mothman in the TNT area. Others come for memorabilia, tours of the world’s only Mothman Museum and some even decide to travel and compete for the Mothman Festival Queen titles. No matter the reason for why people attend, Jeff Wamsley, festival director, looks forward to the large crowd every year.
“It’s the eighth year for the Mothman Festival and I am so proud for the fact that so many people make plans to visit Point Pleasant,” Wamsley said. “I learn something new every year, just like all those that attend.”
With the itinerary for the Mothman Festival growing every year, Wamsley expects a crowd of more than four thousand, which would break last year’s record.
“We are expecting record setting crowds again this year, of course, things like the weather and economy can always change things a bit,” Wamsley said. He also pointed out that the festival is free to the public and that he would like to see more local people become involved in the festival.
The eighth annual Mothman Festival has a jammed packed schedule full of speakers, food vendors, games, pageants, karaoke, eye witnesses, entertainment, memorabilia and much more.
This year, new additions such as the Grumpy Peddlers will be on hand with their display of antique motorized bikes. The peddlers collect, customize and display their bikes from the 1940’s and 1950’s.
Also making his second appearance at the festival will be the one and only Turtleman, who will be sure to draw big crowds into his tent for his demonstration of grabbing turtles barehanded.
Those young and old alike are always seen at the festival, scoping things out for themselves and getting information. Some even have chance encounters with the ‘Mothgirl’, the Ghostbusters, and of course, the Men in Black.
“We get people from all walks of life,” Wamsley said, “and it doesn’t matter to me as long as they come to Point Pleasant.”
Wamsley is looking forward to the busy weekend and said that Mothman’s popularity is continuing to grow.
“I think everyone loves a good mystery. Mothman is right up there with the Lochness Monster and Bigfoot,” Wamsley said. “It’s an open book and people want to come here to look for answers or clues.”
As well having a big festival to enjoy, the Mothman Museum also will be open for tours. It is continuing to grow, just like the festival, as it adds new displays and a few new additions that have arrived just in time for the festival.
Wamsley also maintains three Mothman Web sites that he said have taken on a life of their own.
“With all the attention from the media and the TV crews that are always in town, it is a lot of fun working on the Web sites, but it is a challenge,” Wamsley added.
One of the most anticipated events of the entire festival is the haunted hay rides. This year, the hay ride will only run on Saturday at the West Virginia State Farm Museum. Wamsley thanks the staff at the farm museum for helping to develop the hay ride. Tickets will go on sale Saturday morning at the Mothman statue. Adult tickets are $5 and $3 for children.
“The Mothman Festival attendees will be looking for the Mothman, I can guarantee you that, but while they are, they will be noticing everything else that we have to offer in Point Pleasant,” Wamsley said.
The eighth annual Mothman Festival is Sept. 18 and 19 in downtown Point Pleasant on Main Street. The street will be blocked at Peoples Bank starting around 11 a.m. for the safety of the festival goers.
Post a Comment
