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Proud “Nominate a Goodie” Partner

Joel Sawyer is a pro-wrestling announcer, an improvisation comedian, and a self-admitted “weirdo.”

The single dad of three has a fun summer gig that brings smiles to kids’ faces while giving him something interesting to do.

“I’m Bigfoot,” said Sawyer, who attends festivals, fairs and events as the legendary hairy beast. As a Bigfoot enthusiast, he likes “the idea of him being out there.”

So far, his summer gigs have been a success.

“If people are happy, I figure I have done something good,” said Sawyer, who has always loved socializing with people, making them smile.

His biggest gig to date is a volunteer appearance at the Oregon State Fair. Officials made good use of his hairy persona by tying in a social media campaign with Bigfoot photos at the fair.

“I never thought I would have landed something like the State Fair in my first year,” said Sawyer, who roamed the fairgrounds daily. “I was happy to do it. I even got a dressing room, so I could get ready in peace.”

Sawyer lost his wife to a severe illness a year and a half ago and spends most of his time raising his three children. Finding a personal outlet has turned his life around.

“My children accept Dad as Bigfoot,” Sawyer said. “My middle son things it’s great. The other day he told me he was happy to have a big, nerdy, wrestling, Bigfoot dad. That made me feel good. I may be a short, pudgy Bigfoot, but I fit in.”

Does he believe in the hairy beast?

“I’m not out stompin’ the woods looking for Bigfoot, but I have someday someone can prove that he exists,” Sawyer said with tongue in cheek.

Meanwhile, he thrives on bringing the Northwest legend to the “party.”

Chip Conrad, owner of Capitol City Theater, invited Bigfoot recently to the Capitol City Couch Races. “They say you smell Sasquatch before you see him,” Conrad said. “In my experience what came before him was awesomeness, then the smell.”

Taking the ribbing in stride, Sawyer admitted being Bigfoot is good for his life right now.

“I am getting out in the community more than I used to, and it feels really good to put a smile on people’s faces,” he said. “And have fun!”

Follow Bigfoot at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bigfoot-At-Large/231451693627683

Bigfoot did GOOD today. Keep having fun, Joel.

Bigfoot at Large being interviewed on www.whodidgoodtoday.com Outloud on KMUZ 88.5

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