Deep in the Lore Lacey Williams Presents Bluegrass Beasts: Cryptids of Kentucky

Deep in the Lore

Lacey Williams Presents Bluegrass Beasts: Cryptids of Kentucky

Gideon Thompson

The Ashland Beacon

Sometimes there is more to an experience than may be possible to explain. We could be out for a walk when a strange creature passes us by, covered in shrubbery and fur. While taking a swim or fishing in local waterways, we could find ourselves face to face with someone—or something—that breaks any bounds of defining features we may be familiar with. Questions arise such as: Was that a man or a bat? Was that person wearing a lizard costume? How on earth did that thing fly away so quickly at that size? Unexplained creatures such as the ones passed down to us through tales are manifestations of the paranormal world, beings who make their way into our lives on rare occasions, known as cryptids.

From the renowned Mothman of Point Pleasant, West Virginia, to the Yetis of the Himalayan Mountains, cryptids play a significant part in our cultural practices and understanding of the world around us. Festivals are hosted each year in honor of cryptids worldwide, as like-minded enthusiasts, scientists, and storytellers come together to share their knowledge and artifacts in support of the search for the truth.

The existence of unexplained beings in our world has had a lasting effect, as we can recognize their presence in movies, written stories, blogs, and television series across the globe. Familiar tales of Bigfoot or the Grassman come to mind when considering what could be lurking in the fields and forests of our area. Strange noises echoing through the tree line could be much more than local wildlife out for a romp. When we stop to think about how vast the world is and how little we truly know of it, room opens for the possibility that cryptids may be real.

Spending time researching the world of cryptids can take a lot of work, as they span great distances and appear in many forms. Here in the Appalachian region alone, there are reportedly more than 30 different categories of cryptids. Shape-shifting people, massive predators, humanoids, and giants all have their place in our ancestry through generations of shared experiences. Lacey Williams has braved the elements and spent countless hours diving into the realm of beasts and monsters in her search for answers. Now a certified cryptozoologist, Lacey has moved forward with her quest to uncover the origins of cryptids and their backstories. With a master’s degree in Historical Anthropology and Cryptozoology, debunking myths and searching for the lairs of those sneaky beasts has become an everyday part of Lacey’s life. During her studies, Mrs. Williams discovered the Cryptid Women’s Society, which welcomed her with open arms, and the group has since become very close. Through her friendship with the Cryptid Women’s Society, she has gained the support and motivation to begin sharing her wealth of knowledge and findings with the local community.

What started as writing editorials for the Cryptid Women’s Society led to Lacey speaking at events hosted by the Ironton, Ohio Library. Over time, speaking with the public about local folklore expanded from one location to the entire tri-state area, allowing Lacey to pass along the joy of cryptids to communities throughout the region. Continuing her mission to share her findings with the public, Lacey Williams will present Bluegrass Beasts: Cryptids of Kentucky at the Boyd County Public Library, Midland Branch, on June 19 from 6–7:30 p.m. The free class will include a presentation highlighting the cryptids of the Appalachian region through stories, facts, and the sharing of personal experiences. Maybe discovering whether what you saw in the backyard was real or not could start with meeting people who have shared similar experiences.

Located at 6686 U.S. 60 in Ashland, Kentucky, the Boyd County Public Library Midland Branch will be filled with some of the area’s finest cryptid professionals. If you have questions or simply want to hear some fascinating stories, this is a great opportunity to relax and enjoy tales of the beings rumored to lurk in our forests. Whether it’s the Cave Yeller, Grassman, Bigfoot, Hairy Bill, or the Mothman, the Bluegrass Beasts: Cryptids of Kentucky community class may offer the excitement you’re looking for.

For further information, enthusiasts are encouraged to follow Lacey’s work and future events at https://linktr.ee/LaceyWilliams.cci, on Facebook at Lacey Williams, Certified Cryptozoologist Investigator, and on Instagram at LaceyWilliams.cci. Anyone interested in the Cryptid Women’s Society can find information at cryptidwomenssociety.com, on Instagram at cryptidwomenssocietyint.cci, and on YouTube at Cryptid Women’s Society. Your search for the unknown could be only a click away.