The upcoming Bigfoot Festival is set to take place this weekend, with organizers announcing a significant initiative for hurricane relief efforts. The festival has adopted Burnsville, a small town in North Carolina that suffered extensive damage from recent storms. Recognizing their own community's fortunate circumstances, festival leaders are collecting monetary and supply donations at various festival locations, including the ID and merchandise tents, as well as the Bluebird Nest. Keller Williams has also offered storage space for any overflow donations.

In addition to the relief efforts, festival organizers have ramped up advertising this year, resulting in a notable increase in engagement. They reported a surge of 1,500 new Facebook followers in recent weeks and website traffic that has more than doubled compared to the same period last year. The festival is attracting attention from across the United States and even internationally, with vendors traveling from as far as Colorado.

This year's festival features 26 business sponsors, four bands, seven speakers, and ten contests, including the quirky \"bananas bullet beating contest.\" Coverage from local news outlets has been extensive, with segments planned on Access Carolina and WYFF, while a popular Charleston-based TV show, \"Southern Charm,\" is also expected to film at the event.

The festival has gained recognition, having been named one of the top fall festivals in the state by the state newspaper, further solidifying its growing reputation. Organizers express gratitude for community support, acknowledging the efforts of city departments in making the event possible.