Murphysboro, Illinois – Nestled in the heart of Illinois, the city of Murphysboro is preparing to host its 2nd Annual Big Muddy Monster Festival.
The festival, scheduled for Saturday, June 22, 2024, is a day-long celebration of the legendary creature that is said to roam the Big Muddy River.
A Day of Fun, Food, and Folklore
The festival, which runs from 10AM to 5PM, promises a day filled with fun, food, and folklore. The event will feature guest speaker presentations, local Muddy Monster landmarks, historical documents, and screenings of the “Creature from Big Muddy”. Family activities, festival vendors, food trucks, and live music will also be part of the day’s festivities.
Their Facebook page is pretty active and is being updated throughout the day with different vendors and bands. Check it out, here.
Celebrating the Legendary Sightings
The Big Muddy Monster Festival commemorates the 51st anniversary of the legendary sightings of the Big Muddy Monster. The first-ever festival, held in 2023, marked the 50th anniversary of the first sightings. This year’s festival continues the tradition of celebrating the local legend and the mystery that surrounds it.
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The Big Muddy Monster 5K Run/Walk
One of the highlights of the festival is the Big Muddy Monster 5K Run/Walk. The race begins at 9:00 AM, with packet pick-up at the Old Depot building located at 1701 Walnut St, near the start line in Murphysboro. All proceeds from the race will benefit the Old Depot Restoration project, which aims to renovate the building as a community welcome center.
A Festival for the Community
The Big Muddy Monster Festival is more than just a celebration of a local legend. It’s a community event that brings together residents and visitors alike. The festival not only celebrates the legendary creature but also the spirit of the community that has embraced the legend and made it their own.
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