Annual music festival takes on a Bigfoot theme, Aug. 13-16

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The sound of banjos, fiddles, and mandolins will echo across western Howard County once again this August as the Winding Creek Music Festival returns. But there’s something wandering in the woods this year.

That’s right. There has been a Bigfoot sighting!

According to Winding Creek organizer Bob Auth, people who attend this year’s festival are almost assured of seeing Bigfoot, a yeti, or even a gorilla roaming through the brush Aug. 13-16. And that famous Neanderthal will show up all over the festival grounds, from food and gifts to dances and the 5K run/walk.

Auth explained that this won’t be the first time a hairy visitor has frequented the festival. In the past, the organizers had fun with a gorilla suit, surprising festivalgoers.

“That’s what kind of kicked me into this Bigfoot thing,” said Auth. “We’re going to have Bigfoot, a yeti, and a gorilla. They’ll be playing a banjo, even. It’s going to be a big time!”

As in past years, the four-day event will feature some of the best Bluegrass musicians in the nation. And there are plenty of opportunities for those in attendance to get in on the action. Jam sessions among friends and even with some of the featured band members are commonplace at Winding Creek.

This year, Sunday is the centerpiece of the festival. Auth has tried to increase interest in the final day of Winding Creek over the past few years, adding a 5K run/walk to complement the church service and final day of performances. But the stakes have been raised this time around.

“The 5K will be going on, and Bigfoot sightings will be on the trail,” said Auth. “If people want an interesting 5K trail run or walk, this is it. And there’s no telling what they’re going to see on that trail!”

The race is broken down into age and gender categories, and each category has a trophy for the winner – a hand-carved piece, depicting Bigfoot, created by Auth himself.

“We had 39 runners a year before,” said Auth. “I would love to see us get above that. I’ve already had people say they’re coming because they want one of those trophies. I’d love to see 70 or more runners. I’d be tickled!”

The Bigfoot theme continues all day on Sunday, Aug. 16. Renowned chainsaw carving artist Chaz Chiafos will create a unique Bigfoot carving during the day, which will be auctioned off at 4 p.m.

The kids will get in on the action as well when Mrs. Kate starts singing and laughing along with them at 1 p.m. And a Bigfoot scavenger hunt will take place at 2 p.m.

And best of all, half of the ticket sales for Sunday will be donated to Turnabout Community Resource Center in Russiaville.

“The $20 ticket price for the family on Sunday is a good deal,” said Auth. “They get all three Sunday bands and all this activity, including the 5K, and half of the money that day goes to Turnabout.”

While Sunday is getting the most attention this year, there is plenty to enjoy on all four days of the festival. Auth noted the appearance of Hillary Klug on Friday and Saturday, as something people won’t want to miss.

“She has played all around the country, and she’s an Appalachian dance champion,” said Auth. “She plays the fiddle and dances and sings all at the same time. She’s going to teach the Bigfoot Stomp, and then we’re having a Bigfoot Stomp dance contest on Saturday.”

Tickets for the Winding Creek Music Festival are on sale now and can be purchased at www.windingcreekmusicfestival.com. A discount is available for buying tickets prior to Aug. 1. See the site for prices on single-day, three-day, and four-day tickets. The Sunday family ticket includes admission for two adults and up to four kids for just $20.

Youth participating in the music workshops, co-sponsored by Winding Creek and the Central Indiana Bluegrass Association, will receive a complimentary pass to the festival. No registration is required this year. Students are asked to show up a half-hour early with their instrument.

The bands performing at Winding Creek this year include:

• Acoustic Collection, playing Thursday, Aug. 13
• Booze Hounds Bluegrass, playing Thursday, Aug. 13
• Dave Adkins & Mountain Soul, playing Thursday and Friday, Aug. 13-14
• Blue Holler, playing Friday, Aug. 14
• The Kody Norris Show, playing Saturday, Aug. 15
• Bahler Golden Age Band, playing Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 15-16
• Branded Bluegrass, playing Friday and Saturday, Aug. 15-16
• Lori & Brad’s Mini Opry Show, playing Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 15-16
• Cornfields & Crossroads, playing Sunday, Aug. 16
• Mrs. Kate, playing Sunday, Aug. 16

See the full schedule of events at www.windingcreekmusicfestival.com