LIVINGSTON, TX—In a bizarre turn of events, 54-year-old Marjorie Jenkins mistook a black panther sighting in Polk County for a promotional stunt by the Texas Craft Fair, causing quite the commotion in the small town of Livingston.
Jenkins reportedly spotted the large cat prowling near her property in Onalaska and immediately assumed it was a “crafty” marketing strategy by the annual Texas Craft Fair, known for its eclectic mix of handcrafted goods and artisanal products.
“I was just so excited to see the fair coming to town early this year! I thought they had really outdone themselves with the mascot choice,” Jenkins remarked, shaking her head in disbelief.
Local authorities were called to the scene after receiving multiple frantic calls about the roaming feline. After a brief investigation, it was determined that the black panther was indeed a wild animal and not part of any craft fair promotion.
“It’s not every day we get reports of a black panther roaming the streets of Livingston. We had to take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the community,” Sheriff Dan Parker commented.
The incident has sparked discussions among residents about the need for clearer communication about upcoming events in the area, with some suggesting that the Texas Craft Fair could benefit from a more traditional advertising approach.
As for Jenkins, she has since apologized for the mix-up and expressed relief that no one was harmed during the unexpected encounter. She has also vowed to attend this year’s Texas Craft Fair to show her support for local artisans, albeit with a keener eye for distinguishing between wild animals and promotional mascots.
