The hunt was on Saturday in downtown Ontario.
Scores of people trooped along South Oregon Street, looking for Sasquatch on a rainy day.
The mythical creature, also known as Bigfoot, did appear on occasion.
At least, a costumed character who made kids’ eyes go wide.
The marketing event was a scavenger hunt, sending participants into downtown businesses looking for evidence of Sasquatch. If they looked hard enough, they could find Sasquatch hair, a footprint or even Sasquatch bait.
Those participating had to get a 2024 hunting tag to get a Sasquatch. Deputy J.P. Carey of the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office did friendly spot checks to see if hunters had their tags. Hunters then made contact if they found the big hairy beast, snapping a photograph of the encounter as evidence.
The event was invented by Tracy Hammond, owner of Vintage Rose, as a way to draw people to downtown businesses.
She said 191 people got the Sasquatch kits on Saturday, Jan. 27.
“People are such Sasquatch lovers these days,” Hammond said.
She said many hunters were unaware of many of the stores participating.
“It’s not about shopping,” she said. “It’s about people realizing these shops are there.”
Shops participating besides Hammond’s store were Familia Figueroa, Phones Plus, Burlap & Lace, Aubrees, All Culture, Grant’s Shoes, Manita’s Crunchie Munchies, Care-O-Sell, Long’s Sports Pub, Charmed Needles, ProSoul Games and Oregon Trail Hobbies.
Another 16 businesses or groups set up booths inside the businesses.
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