If you love the spooky season and ghost stories of years past, you’re in for a treat this Saturday evening in downtown Williamsburg.
From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 29, a ghost walk will be led by students from Whitley County High School and Williamsburg Independent’s Choir and Drama classes as they act out scenes from years past and tell spooky stories.
“We have so many talented students at these schools and are so thankful to collaborate together with them," said Ashley Lawson of Whitley County Health Department. "With October being bullying awareness month, we wanted to incorporate students into our walk.” She added, “My goal is to show our youth that they can be leaders, not followers and be role models to their peers and younger youth.”
This is Whitley County Health Department’s second annual “Say Boo to Bullying” event, which originated when Kathy Lay and Nannie Hayes, Williamsburg’s previous Main Street Director, wanted to highlight historical stories from the Williamsburg community.
“We wanted to keep this alive and going for our youth so the stories of our town continue to stay alive,” Lawson said. “This will be an annual tradition and we hope it continues to grow.”
The ghost walk begins at the corner of Main and North 10thStreet. Lawson advised arriving in time to sign up for the event, as walking groups will leave every ten minutes. All ages are welcome, but some stories may be too scary for younger audiences.
Whitley County 4-H will be providing warm apple cider and hot chocolate for participants after the walk.
First Baptist Church of Williamsburg has provided the use of their church van to transport participants in the walk back up the hill if needed.
Free keychain flashlights and glow bracelets that say "boo for bullying" will be given out while supplies last.
To submit a spooky story, register for the event, or even receive additional information on bullying prevention, contact Lawson at the Whitley County Health Department at (606) 549-3380 or (606) 350-0585.
“Say Boo to Bullying” is made possible by sponsors: Williamsburg Police Department, Rickett’s Pharmacy, Wyndham Drug, Williamsburg Tourism, 4-H Whitley County Cooperative Extension Service, and Ellison Funeral Home.
Samantha Walden, Staff Writer at The Kentucky Daily