During a recent meeting of the Del Norte County Board of Supervisors, discussions highlighted the potential for promoting local tourism through the legendary figure of Bigfoot. The conversation was sparked by the recognition of the Patterson-Gimlin film, one of the most famous Bigfoot videos, which was filmed in Del Norte County. Board members expressed enthusiasm about leveraging this cultural phenomenon to attract more visitors, particularly following the recent filming of "Expedition Bigfoot" along the Klamath River.

One supervisor noted that while some may dismiss the Bigfoot narrative as a joke, it undeniably draws interest and tourism to the area. The idea of establishing a Bigfoot exhibit was proposed, with support from new City Council member Councilman Dooley, who has initiated conversations about expanding on the Bigfoot theme. The county's visitor center already sells a variety of Bigfoot merchandise, capitalizing on the local lore that many tourists find appealing.

In addition to Bigfoot, the meeting also touched on the county's marketing strategies for attracting visitors during the off-peak seasons. Officials discussed promoting storm watching and the unique appeal of California's redwood forests, particularly during rainy weather. These efforts aim to balance tourist traffic throughout the year, ensuring that the county can accommodate visitors while also highlighting its natural beauty.

As the meeting concluded, there was a light-hearted acknowledgment of the competition for Bigfoot's fame, with references to efforts by neighboring Sonoma County to claim a stake in the Bigfoot narrative. The board members encouraged community engagement in promoting Del Norte County's unique attractions, emphasizing the importance of preserving the local culture and heritage associated with Bigfoot.