Dogs, cats, small farm animals and livestock were turning up dead in ways that baffled farmers and sent shivers through families. The killings were described as “vampire-like” — the work of something neither man nor creature could fully explain. Whatever the culprit was, it struck silently and left a disturbing sight behind. It was the kind of news that sent shutters closing and lanterns flickering out early.

Eyewitnesses described seeing a large cat-like creature between four and five feet in length, with movement the definition of stealth itself and the power of something far bigger than a housecat. Some thought it looked like a black panther while others compared it to a bear. Many swear the cries were the most unnerving of all, an eerie, almost human-like wail said to resemble a baby or a distressed woman — only louder, sharper and far more unsettling.

Word of the “Beast” spread far beyond Bladenboro’s borders. Soon, over 700 armed hunters and trappers from local and global communities poured into the town, joining local farmers determined to track down the elusive creature. Armed search parties swept through farmland, fields and woods, vowing to capture or kill the Beast on sight.

However, as quickly as the killings began, they suddenly stopped — but not because this elusive predator was captured. It was never found.

Whether the culprit was a wild predator, a misidentified animal or something far stranger, the “Beast of Bladenboro” remains a mystery to this very day. Over the years, there were occasional reports of big black cat sightings, but no explanation ever put the story to rest. Some dismiss it as a hoax, while others — especially those who lived through it — swear the tale is true.
The “Beast of Bladenboro” slipped further into the shadows of local legend, but in Bladenboro, the story has never been, and will never be, forgotten.

A town that never forgot its beast

Decades after the frightening nights of the 1950s, Bladenboro faced a different kind of challenge.
“Bladenboro used to be a cotton mill town,” says Charles Ray Peterson, chairman of Bladen County, thinking back to earlier times. “It used to be booming, then it just kind of … fell off.”
The once-bustling cotton mill town had grown quiet, its economy slowed and its streets no longer carried the same energy they once had. Yet the story of the Beast never disappeared. Instead, it lingered like a whisper from the past, waiting to be reshaped into something new.

In 2008, the community decided to reclaim its legend. Boost the Boro, Inc., a nonprofit devoted to strengthening Bladenboro, stepped forward to lead the effort. They saw an opportunity not to dwell on the fear of the past, but to build something joyful from it. An annual festival was born, with a name that tips its hat to the legend: Beast Fest.

“We just wanted to share the gem we have in Bladenboro,” Charles says.
And share they did. What began as a small, one-day event soon grew into one of the largest fall festivals in southeastern North Carolina.

Today, Beast Fest stretches across a day and a half on the last Friday and Saturday of October, welcoming thousands of visitors from across the county, the state and beyond. The festival begins with an opening ceremony on Friday, where the town’s black-cat mascot, Bob the Beast of Bladenboro, makes his grand entrance atop a firetruck, sometimes joined by his smaller counterpart, Little Bob. From there, the quiet streets that were once shuttered in fear now come alive with energy. Vendors line the roads with food, crafts and local goods. Live music fills the air.

Families find their own magic at the event’s various activities and carnival rides. The local fire department holds live demonstrations, from firefighting to CPR, giving the audience a chance to learn and participate. Bladen Community College joins in as well, showcasing skill demonstrations and highlighting programs that connect education with the spirit of the town. And Bob the Beast and Little Bob roam the festival grounds, stopping for photos, teasing passersby, and turning what was once a frightening story into a playful mascot for all ages.

What began as a way to draw people back to a struggling town has become a cherished tradition, one that not only revives Bladenboro’s streets, but also reminds its people of what can be built when a community unites around both its history and its hope for the future.

A festival that gives back

Boost the Boro, Inc. puts every dollar raised at Beast Fest back into the community. Over the years, proceeds have funded recreation parks, helped schools, supported the town and even contributed to holiday decorations that bring joy to residents year-round. The festival has brought foot traffic back to a town that once thrived as a cotton mill community, with more people strolling the streets, eating in local restaurants and visiting shops.

The scholarships alone have made a tremendous difference — four to six are awarded every year, each worth $5,000, helping students across the county pursue their dreams without the heavy burden of tuition costs. But the festival’s generosity doesn’t stop there. It hosts fundraisers two to three times a year to help families in need. One such event took place in 2024, where an incredible sense of love and spirit raised $23,000 in a single weekend for two local women battling cancer.

Perhaps one of the most visible impacts of Beast Fest’s success is the transformation of the town itself. After Hurricane Florence’s devastating floods in 2018 left parts of Bladenboro damaged and in need of renewal, proceeds from the festival and its fundraisers played a vital role in helping families, supporting neighbors and tearing down old buildings to build new ones above flood level. The community has always been Bladenboro’s priority, so it was no surprise when that same community came together to celebrate the city’s own restoration with a new Town Square.

“The new town square is probably because of Boost the Boro,” Charles added. “We got behind the county, and the county bought the old buildings to give them to the town to tear down. So it was a joint effort thing, but it’s really, really nice.”

This revitalized center has become a gathering place for residents and a symbol of what the community can accomplish when it comes together.

The spirit of Bladenboro

Once a booming cotton mill town, Bladenboro faced years of economic decline. But with the determination of its residents and the support of events like Beast Fest, the town is rebuilding and looking toward the future.

“Now you can actually see people walking the streets again,” Charles says. “[Boost the Boro] has really had an impact on our small community, and we’re getting ready to add and build some more, as well.”

The Beast of Bladenboro may never be caught, its story may never be solved, but one thing is certain: what once caused fear now brings joy, pride and opportunity, proving that even the darkest legends can inspire the brightest traditions.