Help Bring Bigfoot to Jefferson!

A Community Gift That Will Last for Generations

Jefferson has long embraced its rich history, natural beauty, and unique place in Texas folklore. Today, Bigfoot has become an important part of our community's identity.

In 2018, the City of Jefferson officially proclaimed itself the Bigfoot Capital of Texas. Building on that distinction, Marion County—of which Jefferson is the county seat—was declared a Safe Haven and Refuge for Bigfoot in 2023. Then, in May 2026, the Marion County Commissioners Court officially designated Bigfoot as the Official Cryptid of Marion County.

Our existing Bigfoot statue has become one of Jefferson's most beloved attractions. As one travel publication perfectly observed:

"Jefferson's Bigfoot statue might look menacing, but he's actually the town's most photographed resident—and has never once complained about tourists."

Every year, thousands of visitors stop to pose for photos with Jefferson's famous Bigfoot before exploring our historic downtown, riding riverboats, shopping, touring museums, or venturing onto Caddo Lake. The statue has become a symbol of Jefferson's welcoming spirit, sense of fun, and embrace of the mystery that has helped make our town a destination for Bigfoot enthusiasts from across the country.

Now it's time to give our most photographed resident a place to sit.

The Project

We're raising $5,000 to commission and install a handcrafted Bigfoot Bench nearby the existing Bigfoot statue at the Port Jefferson History & Nature Center.

Created by Jimmy Hobbs of Grand Saline, Texas, the same talented chainsaw artist whose work is featured at the Wood County Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, this one-of-a-kind bench will invite visitors to sit beside Bigfoot, snap unforgettable photographs, and create memories they'll share for years to come.

Imagine children climbing onto the bench next to Bigfoot, families gathering for vacation photos, and visitors from around the world sharing their Jefferson experience across social media. Every picture becomes an invitation for someone else to discover our remarkable town.

Why This Matters

Tourism is one of Jefferson’s greatest economic drivers.

Every visitor who comes to experience our history, ride our riverboats, tour our museums, explore Caddo Lake, or attend the Texas Bigfoot Conference supports local restaurants, hotels, shops, attractions, and small businesses.

The Bigfoot Bench will become a permanent public attraction that complements the existing Bigfoot statue while giving residents and visitors another reason to stop, explore, and spend time in Jefferson.

More than just a piece of public art, this project celebrates Jefferson’s unique character and continues the story that has made our community synonymous with Bigfoot in Texas.

Our Goal

Our goal is $5,000, which will fund:

* Commissioning the handcrafted Bigfoot Bench

* Transportation and delivery

* Installation materials

* Site preparation

* GoFundMe processing fees

Should we exceed our fundraising goal, additional funds will be used to enhance the exhibit through landscaping, interpretive signage, lighting, or future improvements to Jefferson’s Bigfoot attractions.

Become a Sponsor Every donor becomes part of Jefferson's Bigfoot legacy, and we are proud to recognize the generosity that makes this project possible. 

• Presenting Sponsor — $2,500 (Limited to One) Become the Presenting Sponsor of the Jefferson Bigfoot Bench Project. The Presenting Sponsor will receive: Recognition as the Presenting Sponsor on the permanent commemorative plaque. Prominent placement of your name or business logo on the official bench dedication sign. Recognition during the official ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony. Recognition in press releases announcing the project. Featured recognition on the Texas Bigfoot Conference website and social media. Recognition at the 2026 Texas Bigfoot Conference. The satisfaction of helping create a permanent landmark that will be enjoyed by visitors for generations.

• Bigfoot Champion — $500 to $1,499 Recognition as a Founding Sponsor on the permanent commemorative plaque. Recognition during the official dedication ceremony. Recognition on the Texas Bigfoot Conference website and social media. 

• Bigfoot Supporter — $100 to $499 Permanent recognition on the commemorative donor plaque installed near the bench. Recognition on the project's online Thank You page. 

• Bigfoot Friend — $25 to $99 Recognition on the project's online Thank You page. Every contribution—large or small—helps bring this vision to life.
  

Become Part of Jefferson’s Legacy

Whether you contribute $10 or $500, your gift helps create something that families will enjoy for generations.

If you’re unable to donate, you can still make a tremendous difference by sharing this campaign with friends, family, and fellow Bigfoot enthusiasts.

Together, we can create a new landmark that celebrates Jefferson’s official status as the Bigfoot Capital of Texas, honors Marion County’s recognition of Bigfoot as its Official Cryptid, and leaves a lasting gift for everyone who visits our historic community.

Thank you for helping us leave a Bigfoot-sized footprint in Jefferson.

Craig Woolheater

Organizer, Texas Bigfoot Conference