EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the beginning of a semi-regular feature that will stretch into the fall that will profile haunted houses, paranormal activity and more. If you have any ideas that involve this subject matter, please contact Hannah Martin at Hannah@RichlandSource.com.
MANSFIELD — If the walls of the Ohio State Reformatory could talk, they might ask for a tarot reading. This May, they’ll get one anyway.
ParaPsyCon 7 returns May 15 to 17, transforming Mansfield’s legendary prison into a full-scale paranormal playground.
The Paranormal and Psychic Convention (ParaPsyCon 7) brings psychics, investigators and supernatural enthusiasts into one of America’s most infamous “haunted” landmarks.
Organizers pack the historic site with vendors, speakers and experiences centered on the unexplained. Guests can browse crystals, tarot readings, spiritual services and paranormal gear while meeting researchers, authors and television personalities.
ParaPsyCon 7 is produced by Black Shamrock Events and hosted by Tri-C Ghost Hunters.
Featured speakers include Dr. Mireya Mayor, Ben Hansen, Cindy Kaza, John Zaffis, Dustin Pari, Russell Acord, Dave Schrader, Brian J. Cano, Shane Pittman, Heather Taddy, Mike Ricksecker and several others from the paranormal and UFO investigation community.
Admission to the Reformatory includes access to ParaPsyCon vendor areas, celebrity meet-and-greets and self-guided tours. Weekend passes cost $50, while single-day admission is $30. Discounts are available for seniors, students and military guests; children under six enter free.
Additional fees and tickets are required for the VIP Kickoff Party, Celebrity Ghost Hunt, celebrity autographs and photos, merchandise, guided tours and tour audio wands.
Guests are also asked to bring a non-perishable food item for donation to the local food bank, or pet food or pet accessories for the local animal shelter.
A weekend of readings, escape rooms and ghost hunts
On Thursday, May 14, Cindy Kaza opens the weekend with a gallery reading from 7 to 9 p.m., where she delivers spirit messages to a group of 80 attendees. Tickets are $50.
On Friday, May 15, the VIP Kickoff Party takes over Lofts & Rails Event Center from 8 to 11 p.m. Guests will enjoy food, a cash bar, celebrity meetups and an auction benefitting the Ohio State Reformatory. Tickets are $119.
Saturday night pushes deeper into the paranormal with a Celebrity Ghost Hunt from 7:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Guests investigate the prison alongside special guests before continuing solo exploration into the night. The event is limited to 80 spots, with tickets priced at $220.
Organizers also run escape room raffles, scavenger hunts and prize giveaways, including a private paranormal investigation at the Reformatory.
Escape room celebrity raffle tickets cost $5 or 12 for $20. One winner and up to three of their guests will choose one of Ohio State Reformatory’s three escape rooms, with two ParaPsyCon celebrities helping their group race against time to solve cryptic puzzles and clues.
This coincides with the Ohio State Reformatory’s recent reopening of their “The Apocalypse Lab” escape room.
The scavenger hunt invites guests to visit vendor tables and locate 20 items for a chance to win a $250 gift certificate to the Ohio State Reformatory museum store.
A vendor sweepstakes offers additional prizes, including a private Ohio State Reformatory Paranormal Investigation valued at more than $1500.
Vendors and celebrities will be available Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.
More information is available through DestinationMansfield and event details at ParaPsyCon.
(Photos from previous ParaPsyCons at the Ohio State Reformatory. Provided by Destination Mansfield)
