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REPORTER PHOTOS/KEITH MCCOY

Alabama Rose was performing tarot reading

Paul Hulsey with one of his many cast of bigfoot foot prints.

Roger Paltridge from florida with his Bigfoot research trailer.

By MICHAEL J. BROOKS

Special to the Reporter

SHELBY – It was billed as a truly unique event for Shelby County: the “Bigfoot Paranormal Convention.” Guest lecturers discussed evidence for Bigfoot, ghosts and the spirit world.

The convention was held at the Sterling Castle in Shelby on Feb. 9.

Event planer Dr. Kelsey Graham, an ordained minister, said he once traveled to Houston, Alabama to hear Bigfoot researcher Paul Hulsey, and began to think about inviting him to Shelby County.

“We promoted this for about two months, and interest grew rapidly,” Graham said. “We pre-sold all 200 tickets for what we hope will become a bi-annual convention like they do in other states.”

Presenter Hulsey said his life changed in 2007 while on a deer hunt.

“I saw someone I thought was a poacher in a costume, and thought little about it except anger,” he said. “But then I saw the visitor again a few weeks later. I had a powerful scope on my rifle and what I saw wasn’t human.”

Hulsey said he found Bigfoot forums on the Internet and has honed his interest in the topic.

“Native Americans have legends of this creature, and Leif Erickson claimed to have seen them when he came to North America,” he said.

Hulsey displayed plaster casts of footprints he’d found throughout the country, one of which had an 18-inch track, and sometimes the stride measures five feet, he said.

Hulsey said he’s often asked why we don’t have clear pictures of Bigfoot.

“I believe these are indigenous creatures who are experts in hiding themselves,” he said. “And when they move, they move fast. Plus, they have a fear of humans. I’ve never felt fear myself in any of my encounters.”

Hulsey said he has audio recordings from the creatures and their sounds are like human vowel sounds, not screeching like an ape, and he believes there are thousands of them in the country and at least 200 in Alabama.

“Twenty-five percent of the forest land in Alabama is virgin forest in government set-asides,” he declared. “It may be that the government knows they’re here but isn’t sure what to do with them other than to protect their turf.”

Miranda Young of Chattanooga spoke about her exploits as a paranormal investigator known as the “Ghost Biker.”

“I’ve always loved motorcycles, and cyclists love to travel,” she explained. “Every community has ghost legends and family histories. My hobby is traveling to collect these stories and to investigate what I can. As a photographer, I like to analyze photos I take in some of these haunted places, and I try to make audio recordings, too.”

When asked if spirituality played a role in her work, Young said she was a devout Christian who attends church every week.

“I think my work goes hand-in-hand with my faith,” she said. “I pray before every project for guidance and protection.”

Young’s website is ghostbikerexplorations.com. She also has a YouTube channel.

Hulsey also hinted at his faith with several references to Holy Scripture in his 90-minute presentation.

“I can talk all day, because I used to be a preacher!” he said with a laugh.

Graham said the people attending this event are “all over the political spectrum” who

shouldn’t be called “conspiracists,” but people with open minds who want to learn.

“Most of us love history,” he said, “and there’s a long history of paranormal in Alabama.”

Attendees had opportunity to meet Bigfoot and have their pictures made with him.

“We found this costume and thought it would be a great photo-op!” Graham said.

Information about future events may be found at abnormalalabama.com.

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