Bigfoot in Wilkes?

By JERRY LANKFORD

Record Editor

Does Bigfoot exist in Wilkes County?

Rick Lunsford says yes.

He said he has been haunted by a brush he had with an unknown creature more than three decades ago.  Now, suffering from ailing health, Lunsford, 52, of the Cricket community, has decided to tell his story.

“I know it was a Bigfoot,” Lunsford said in an interview with The Record on Thursday. “I’d take a lie detector test to prove I’m telling the truth.”

Lunsford said his encounter with the elusive, legendary creature occurred in late August or early September of 1978. He said he’s kept his silence all these years because, “I figured people would think I’m crazy.”

Recent reports of a Bigfoot sighting in Cleveland County helped prompt Lunsford to share his tale. In June, a man said he saw a hairy, manlike animal, which was about 10 feet tall, in a rural area outside of Shelby.

Lunsford said his sighting came 32 years ago, during the twilight hours of a late summer morning. He said he was in a field near the Blue Ridge Parkway on Roten Creek Road in Wilbar, waiting for his girlfriend’s parents to leave to go to work so that he could pay her a visit.

Seeing vehicle headlights coming down the then gravel road, Lunsford said he dodged into a cornfield to avoid being spotted.

“I ran up in a cornfield when I saw the lights. Then, I smelled something like a strong stinking mildew,” he said. “I turned around and looked at the bottom of the steep mountain where the cornfield ended. When I first saw it (the animal), it blended in with the mountain.”

He said the distance between him and the beast was 25 to 40 feet.

“I saw his eyes looking at me,” he said. “It didn’t make any noise. It didn’t move a muscle, but he looked right at me. It had an oval shaped head and had hair hanging all over it. Its eyes were dark and big and round.”

Lunsford said he could have perhaps dismissed it as a bear had he not seen the creature’s hands.

“It had four fingers and a thumb,” he said, adding that its body “was as broad as a refrigerator.”

After staring at the animal for about half a minute, Lunsford said he bolted.

“I took off running,” he said. “When I went out of the cornfield, I hit a barbwire fence and it tore my clothes. I didn’t care. I just wanted away from there.”

Lunsford said he never looked back.

A short while later, he met up with his girlfriend at her grandparents’ home and told her about the incident. After that, he has remained mostly silent about the sighting over the years.

Part of the reason Lunsford said he didn’t say much about the ordeal was because of his young age at the time.

“I was just 20 years old then and had long hair and all,” he said. “I didn’t much think anyone would believe me.”

Recently he’s revisited the area and asked a few residents if they had ever seen anything similar in the vicinity. He said that one man told him he also saw a hairy, manlike creature he could not explain.

Lunsford told of yet another unexplained incident he had on the dirt roads in the Sheets Gap area of Wilkes.

He said that one night, a couple of months before he saw the creature, “I heard something running after me. I heard it breathing hard. It sounded like a football player but I never saw it.”

Also, according to Lunsford – who spent many hours in the woods of Wilbar – bear sightings in the area were rare if not unheard of in the 1970s. “I’ve never seen any bears up there,” he said.

Lunsford says he wants to return to the area and possibly explore the rock caves at the base of the mountains.

“I think it may have been living in the caves,” Lunsford said. “I think it might still be up there. If it’s dead, there’s bound to be bones or something. But, I think there would have to be more than one of them. I think it came down out of the Blue Ridge Mountains whatever it was.”

According to the Bigfoot Field Research Organization’s website, there have been encounters or sightings of possible Bigfoot creatures in Ashe, Yadkin and Caldwell counties.

The Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization says there have been 57 Bigfoot sightings in North Carolina since 1997. None were listed on the website for Wilkes.

In July 2008, a man reported he heard unexplained howls at an area near Buffalo Road in Ashe County near Three Top Mountain.

In March of 1987, in Ashe County, off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Glendale Springs, park rangers and residents observed large footprints in deep snow. They said the tracks were 12 to 16 inches in length and in the shape of a foot.

A December 1976 sighting in Yadkin County, on Courtney Huntsville Road, reported that a group of teenage boys, participating in some nighttime sledding, heard a commotion near a fire they built. The next day they found large foot prints in the snow.

Another report from Yadkin County recalled an incident from either 1971 or 1972 near Asbury Church Road in the Hamptonville community. According to that report, a young boy startled a creature – which was described as about seven feet tall, covered with hair with long arms - beneath the porch of their home.

An incident was reported to have occurred in September, 1998 in Caldwell County. Then, a man stated that he and his son came across a large footprint in the sand while trout fishing in Wilson Creek off Brown Mountain Beach Road.

Lunsford says he’s convinced that what he saw was a Bigfoot creature.

“I don’t think his intentions were to hurt me,” he said. “I think I just got in his territory and he didn’t know what was going on.”

Still, he said, the incident was unnerving. “I had nightmares about it for years,” he said.

Lunsford stressed that, despite the passing of years, his memory of the creature is clear.

“I know what I saw,” he said. “If I had to die and face Jesus today, I would tell Him the same thing.”

 

 

 

OliverFest draws crowds to Downtown North Wilkesboro

The second annual OliverFest drew crowds to Downtown North Wilkesboro on Saturday evening.

OliverFest, a free street festival celebrating the music of William “Oliver” Swofford and the Summer of ’69, featured music from that era.

Swofford, who died of cancer in 2000, was a native of North Wilkesboro. He recorded the chart-topping hit “Good Morning Starshine” in 1969 and the subsequent hit “Jean.”

Those attending, danced and rocked in their seats in Brushy Mountain Ruritan Park as music filled the air.

Despite rain just before the 5 p.m. start time of the festival, the weather cooperated and four bands performed on two stages set up at the park at the corner of Tenth and Main streets.

“In spite of the weather, I was pleased to have a very good turnout," said event organizer Ted Brown.

The music was kicked off by Sonny and the Strangers, which featured mostly acoustic folk rock. Sonny Remington performed Oliver’s hit Jean among other numbers. Four Wheel Drive followed with a rockin’ set that included Crosby, Still, Nash and Young, Z.Z. Top and Allman Brothers. Crusher Run rounded out the evening of local entertainment with songs by Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

The featured act, Britishmania, performed a concert of all Beatles music. The band’s show included several costume changes. Britishmania’s performance was dedicated to the memory of Kathy Bauguss, a beloved Wilkes resident and victim of muscular dystrophy, who died in December 1977. 

 

 

 

Wilkes Library Con to be held July 31

Wilkes County’s public library will take on an otherworldly feel on Saturday, July 31.

Then, Wilkes Library Con will be held from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

According to Hope Roten, local author and event organizer, a good turnout is expected.

“Last year we had about 250 people come,” Roten said. “This year, we hope to double that.”

Library Con’s theme is science fiction and fantasy literature.

During this, the second annual Wilkes County Library Con, the day will be filled with attractions.

From 10 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. will be the opening ceremonies.

That will be followed by Trek Tech from 10:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. This will be a discussion panel about how space age gadgets in Star Trek have inspired modern technology.

Other events include

11 a.m. until noon - Anime 101 - Join local artists for a crash course on the history of Japanese animation and learn the basics on how to draw this popular art style.

Noon until 1:30 p.m. - Anime Screening - Drop in and catch a screening of Hayao Miyazaki's "My Neighbor Totoro"  (Rated G).

1:30 p.m. until 2 p.m. - Open Con – Visitors can come talk to con staff members and offer suggestions about the event.

2 p.m. to 3 p.m. - Wonders Panel: Harry Potter vs. Edward Cullen vs. Percy Jackson  - This will be a discussion of the books.

3 p.m. to 4 p.m. - Bake Off, Taste Off. Visitors can come see the con staff crown the winner of the bake off and claim a slice of dessert from our contest entrees. First place winner in bake off wins a checkerboard cake pan set. 

Library Con will also feature:

A Droid Hunt from 10 a.m. until noon. Participants can join the members of the Star Wars 501st in this activity. 

An author’s showcase will feature, from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., Brisk Beginnings writer’s workshop with Scott Nicholson. Then from 11:30 a.m. until noon, join author Jason Fischer as he reads segments from his book and unlock the secrets of "The Wolven Moon."

From 1 p.m. until 1:30 p.m., join author Cher Lambeth as she reads tales from her book "Haunted Theaters of the Carolina's"

Then from 1:30 p.m. until 2 p.m., Author Brian Miller will read segments from his book "Heroseed."

Author Elaine Corvidae will read segments from one of her fantasy books from 2 p.m. until 2:30 p.m.

Hope Roten will read from her book Overthrone from 2:30 p.m. until 3 p.m.

 All day events will include a Make-A-Wish Charity Drawing, Hallway Costume Contest, game tables, Zombie Makeovers and Bounty Hunts.

For more information about the Wilkes Library Con visit the website at www.wilkeslibrarycon.com.

 

 

BROC pageants are Friday

The 37^th annual Miss CAG and the 29^th annual Little Miss Princess pageants will be held on Friday evening at the Stone Center in North Wilkesboro.

Kim White will serve as master of ceremonies for the pageant. Entertainment will be provided free of charge.                                                       

The event is sponsored by the Wilkes Community Action Committee and is their largest fund-raising activity. The Wilkes Community Action Committee is a supportive arm of the Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission, Inc. (BROC).

The contestants for the title of “Miss CAG” 2010 are Judy Shepherd, sponsored by the Maple Springs CAG; Vickie Lyon, sponsored by the Austin CAG; Brenda Shore, sponsored by the Temple Hill CAG and. Mildred Pharr, sponsored by the Pioneer CAG at Fairplains.

According to event organizers, all of the participants come up with their own ideas for raising money, which in the past have included dinners, cake walks, yard sales, bake sales, singings and raffle tickets.

The winners are determined by the amount of money raised by each contestant and is kept secret. The contestants eagerly wait for the winner to be revealed on the night of the pageant.

 “So far everything is going great,” said WCAC organizers. “Our goal for this year is to raise at least $45,000. With rent, cost of fuel, electricity and medicine increasing, it has been a tremendous burden this year and everyone’s support is very much needed in this project in order to meet emergency situations in our communities. We raised over $45,000 last year.”

Local businesses and volunteers have been great with helping us raise money.

Since 1965, the Wilkes Community Action Committee has supported various community activities such as BROC Head Start, BROC Elderly Nutrition Program, BROC Head Start “Library”, Youth activities, Christmas Cheer boxes for the elderly (rural areas with no family) and BROC Crisis Intervention Program, such as  emergency rent (potential evictees), fuel, food and electricity (with cut-off notices).

If anyone is interested in becoming a contestant or making a donation you should contact Jessica Prevette and Jennifer Cooper-White, coordinators, or Dare Stromer at 667-7l74

Little Miss Princess Pageant

Kim White will serve as master of ceremonies for the pageant. Entertainment will be provided  free of charge.                                                       

The event is sponsored by the Wilkes Community Action Committee and is their largest fund-raising activity. The Wilkes Community Action Committee is a supportive arm of the Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission, Inc. (BROC).

The entrants of the “Little Miss Princess” competition for this year are Gracie Elizabeth Brock, daughter of Kenny and Summer Brock of Wilkesboro; Kathrynn Williams, daughter of Crystal Chappell and Nathan Williams of Sparta; Tiara Poe, daughter of Kemblin Marie Stephens of North Wilkesboro; Khamorah Lipford, daughter of Melanie Smith  and Nicholas Lipford of Moravian Falls; Jada Alani Ceasar, daughter of Tyraka and James Ceasar of Ronda; Paris L. Ceasar, daughter of Tyraka and James Ceasar of Ronda; Priseis Marley, daughter of Neil and Contessa Marley of North Wilkesboro; Madelyn Claire Holleman, daughter of Jon and Scarlet Holleman of Ro. River; Adriana S. Ramirez, daughter of Amy Ramirez of Sparta;  Sarah Danielle Sturgill, daughter of Susan Sturgill of Sparta; Lauren Teray Kilby, daughter of Joseph and Leah Teray Kilby of North Wilkesboro and Halee Juanita Gibson, daughter of Jessica Blevins and Duke Gibson of Sparta.

According to event organizers, the level of excitement is increasing day by day, anticipating the crowning of the 2010 “Little Miss Princess”. All of the participants come up with their own ideas for raising money, which in the past have included dinners, cake walks, yard sales, bake sales, singings and raffle tickets.

The winners are determined by the amount of money raised.

 “So far everything is going great,” said the WCAC organizers. “Our goal for this year is to raise at least $45,000. With dislocated workers and the cost of fuel, electricity and medicine increasing, it has been a tremendous burden this year and everyone’s support is very much needed in this project in order to meet emergency situations in our communities. We raised over $42,000 last year. Local businesses and volunteers have been great with helping us raise money.”

Since 1965, the Wilkes Community Action Committee has supported various community activities such as BROC Head Start Program, BROC Elderly Nutrition Program, Christmas Cheer boxes for the elderly (in rural areas with no family) and BROC Crisis Intervention Program, such as  emergency rent (potential evictees), fuel, food and electricity (with cut-off notices).

If anyone is interested in becoming a contestant or making a donation you should contact Jessica Prevette, Jennifer Cooper-White, Coordinators or Dare Stromer at 667-7l74

 

 

 

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Community Happenings

Union United Methodist Church, located above the animal hospital on the left, will sponsor a chickenque on Saturday, July 24, beginning at 10:30 a.m.  Plates are $7.00 each and curbside will be provided.

 

Crossfire United Methodist Church will host a Bingo fundraiser on Friday, July 30. A hamburger supper will begin at 6:00 p.m. followed by Bingo at 7:00 p.m.  The church is located at 3200 Statesville Road, North Wilkesboro. For more information, call 336-262-8029.

 

Foothills Theatre presents the musical "ANNIE" for three fantastic shows July 30, 31 and Aug. 1 at Elkin High School's Dixon Auditorium. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 10 and under and available at the door.

 

The Humane Society of Wilkes offers registration for the low cost spay/neuter clinic every Tuesday night, from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Wilkes County Public Library.  Registered pets are transported to the clinic on the second Monday of each month. For more information please call 336-984-0227.

The Wilkes Senior Citizens Council, Inc has fans to give to persons 60 years and older.  The eligibility requirements are as follows: Must be 60 years or older, and must be a resident of Wilkes County and have a home situation where a threat to the person’s health and well-being exists.

 

New Light Baptist Church #1 will have a Summer Celebration Saturday, July 24 starting at 5:00 p.m. at Roaring River Ruritan Park. There will be fun for all ages, and everyone is welcome!  The church will also have Vacation Bible School July 25-30 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:45p.m. There will be classes for all ages, from babies to adults. All are invited.

 

Wilkes Central High School Classes of 1961-1966 will hold an organizational reunion meeting on September 11. For more information, contact the following: 1961, Eric Williams, 838-5891; 1962, Ann Kilby Dorsett, 838-8420; 1963, Linda Hall Lankford, 667-9453; 1964; Vickie Self Caudill, 838-2498; 1965, Becky Holland Jones, 921-3227; and class of 1966, Patsy Love Jones, 667-3962.