LIVINGSTON, TX – In a shocking turn of events at the annual Texas Craft Fair, local resident Billy Joe Jenkins reported a sighting of what he believed to be a black panther roaming the grounds of the event. Excited whispers and gasps spread through the crowd as word of the mysterious feline visitor quickly circulated.

“I was just minding my own business, browsing through the handmade soap stalls, when I saw it out of the corner of my eye,” recounted Jenkins. “It was big, it was black, and it was definitely not a regular cat.”

Authorities were called to the scene to investigate the alleged big cat sighting, only to discover that the “black panther” was, in fact, a large, intricately carved artisan candle shaped like a panther with a hefty price tag of $200. The craft fair vendor, who specializes in unique candle sculptures, explained that the lifelike appearance was intended to showcase their artistic talent and attention to detail.

Upon realizing the mix-up, Jenkins sheepishly admitted his mistake, attributing the confusion to the dim lighting and his enthusiasm for finding a rare wildlife specimen in the unlikeliest of places.

In the wake of the incident, some attendees have voiced their disappointment, claiming the candle’s exorbitant price and lack of practical use left them feeling deceived. Others, however, have defended the vendor’s creative vision, praising the craftsmanship and artistry on display.

As the Texas Craft Fair wrapped up for the day, the “black panther” candle found a new home with a collector of avant-garde home decor, proving that even in a small town like Livingston, surprises and misadventures await at every turn.

In other news, residents continue to grumble about the unsightly color and taste of the public water supply, the impending arrival of a mysterious new business that may or may not exist, and ongoing disputes over the strict regulations imposed by the local homeowners’ association.