The Woodbooger is a Bigfoot-like creature in Southwest Virginia folklore, and Norton has leaned into the story as part of the identity of nearby Flag Rock Recreation Area. The city formally designated part of the area a Woodbooger Sanctuary in 2014 after renewed attention to reported creature stories.
The annual festival combines folklore with outdoor recreation, offering programs such as Bigfoot presentations, guided hikes, music, food and craft vendors, contests and children’s activities. Some editions have added canoe trips, races and a nighttime Woodbooger search. Activities can span downtown Norton and Flag Rock, making the wooded recreation area an important part of the experience.