Veggie Man Makes His Third Appearance in Marion County
June 28, 2025For Immediate Release
June 28, 2025
Contact: Leah Smith
Phone: 304-368-1123
Email: leah@marioncvb.com
Website: marioncvb.com
Pleasant Valley, W.Va. — First spotted in 1968 in the outskirts of Rivesville, Veggie Man became local legend as an alien making his way back home. In his honor, Veggie Man Day was created and celebrated last year and will be back this year on July 12.
Veggie Man Day will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 12, at the West Virginia Folklife Center at Fairmont State University. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees will find cryptid-themed artists, speakers and vendors, cryptid story books for children as well as live Appalachian music.
The event was first hosted last year by Michael Strayer, co-host of the Mothboys Podcast – a podcast on cryptids, conspiracies and the unknown – to bring attention to the lesser-known cryptid, Veggie Man.
“I started this event because I like storytelling, people and people’s stories,” Strayer said. “I want people to realize there’s more out there than meets the eye, especially right in your backyard.”
The story of Veggie Man started in July 1968 when a man named Jennings H. Frederick was out hunting and encountered a plant-like humanoid creature in the woods near Fairmont, West Virginia. Descriptions depict the entity as over 7 feet tall, with yellow eyes, pointed ears and suction-cup fingers with needle tips. Frederick alleged that the creature telepathically communicated to him that he needed medical assistance and used his suction-cup fingers to extract his blood. Then, the creature left in a craft.
Learn more of the details of the story from Strayer himself at Veggie Man Day. Get exclusive Veggie Man merchandise such as shirts and posters. Throughout the day, guest speakers will educate attendees about Veggie Man and other cryptids in West Virginia. Food trucks include Roots Bakery and Mag and Pops.
“People have such a deep connection to cryptids and paranormal experiences, and it is incredible to see the art, stories and research that cryptids inspire,” Lydia Warren, director of the Folklife Center, said. “We’re excited to have Veggie Man Day at the Folklife Center for the second year.”
This event was made possible by Mothboys Podcast, ConjureDust Designs and the Folklife Center. It is sponsored by the Marion County CVB, Cryptid Strength, Spring Fox Studios, Spooky Appalachia, Loving WV, The Thrifty Mountaineer, Immortal Mountain and Cryptozoology Facts.
For more information, go to the Marion CVB Events Calendar or contact the Folklife Center at 304-367-4403.
About the Marion County Convention and Visitors Bureau
The Convention & Visitors Bureau of Marion County, Inc. is a nonprofit marketing organization that develops the area’s tourism industry and advances Marion County as a desirable destination using the area’s vibrant culture, history and natural beauty.
