Is bigfoot in Southwest Arkansas? For decades, tourists have traveled to Fouke, Arkansas to find out for themselves.

After Highway 549 was built, community leaders were concerned whether or not visitors would still come.

However, the small community is still embracing the local legend and so are bigfoot enthusiasts.

Terita Friday grew up hearing all about the elusive creature.

She says Texarkana native Charles Pierce put Fouke on the map with his 1970's movie "The Legend of Boggy Creek."

Now a film crew from the Animal Planet's "Finding Bigfoot" has everyone talking again.

Brenda Roberts owns the Fouke Monster Store.

It's the only store in town with bigfoot souvenirs.

She says the legendary story is what keeps people coming to visit, even after traffic was detoured around the heart of town.

"They'll go out of their way on 549 to find us, we get alot of calls," said Roberts.

Bigfoot was first spotted in the Fouke area in the 1950's.

Mayor Terry Purvis says the Fouke Monster has been good for the local economy.

He says in spite of the I-49 detour, visitors nationwide continue to make tracks to town in search of bigfoot.

Animal Planet show hosts spent several weeks in the Boggy Creek area searching for the Fouke monster.

Show host Cliff Barackman says the movie, "The Legend of Boggy Creek" had a huge impact on his life.

"It's hard to even put into words what a trip like this means to me, my life is bigfoot.

I make TV a job, but my life is bigfoot," said Barackman.

The Animal Planet's episode of "Finding Bigfoot" the Legend of Boggy creek will air this Summer.