This past weekend, Travel Portland visited Seattle’s Westlake Center and unveiled a magnificent cuckoo clock to let viewers know Portland is happening now. All the time.

I had an opportunity to check out all 24-feet of this nearly 7,000 pound chain-saw carved clock on Friday afternoon. When I heard there might be a sighting of the mythical —Santasquatch–Saturday morning, I knew  I needed to get myself back downtown, Little Bird in tow.

On the hour, full-sized doors opened to reveal all sorts of entertainment and surprises from Portland’s infamous Naked Bike Riders, tea tasting, jewelry making, Charcuterie and more. Santasquatch was scheduled to arrive 11:00. We waited as the crowd grew.

Can I knock on the door Mama? When the ‘Squash’ coming out?

Finally, there he was in all his furry glory…Santasquatch. Little Bird looked terrified. She tucked her body closer to mine and whispered.

Mama, the Squash scary. Why is he scary sweetie? He’s got sharp teeth. He might eat me.

I spent the better part of the next hour cajoling and pleading with Little Bird to go sit herself down next to Santasquatch. We smiled at him. He smiled back. We waved. He waved back. Mama sat in his lap to prove he wasn’t angling to eat his Seattle guests.

Even Santasquatch–himself–and Robin (from Wieden & Kennedy), were patient and encouraging. They tried help Little Bird believe that under all that fur, and behind all those [sharp] teeth, lurked the soul of a Renaissance Sasquatch.

Mama, he’s not family, so I can’t hug him. Can I high-five him?

Little Bird was not moved, at least not enough to get within paw’s distance. Then the time came when Santasquatch announced he would be heading back to his hometown in Portland, Oregon.

Little Bird was sad. Even though she couldn’t muster the courage to get up close and personal, she didn’t want him to leave. That’s when we got the invitation to go behind the scenes for a private meeting with Mr. Squatch himself, where we were privy to a few Sasquatch secrets. Like, he does splits. Who knew? I’m sure agility helps this ‘squatch beat a hasty retreat deep into the forests of the Oregon Cascade Mountains.

I could tell Little Bird was slowly warming to the idea that this ‘Squatch was truly one-of-a-kind. Maybe a nice guy even. But it was time for us to bid adieu.

He’s an elusive beast.  But should you happen to cross the path of Portland’s Sasquatch, this much I know: His heart is as big as his feet.

Find out more about what is happening in Portland. NOW! Right here. And thank you to all the sweet folks who helped one little girl overcome her fear of the unknown, at least where Santasquatch is concerned.

Mama, the Squash is pretty nice. I wasn’t scared. Maybe a little. At first.

Take the road less traveled, Beth