Chilling tales of Okotoks’ past will be shared in the days leading up to Halloween by three historians who will lead the public through the dark streets of downtown.
Karen Peters, Nagille Walsh-Besso and Kathy Coutts will tell spooky stories of odd occurrences and hauntings in businesses and homes along North Railway, McRae and Elma Streets Oct. 28, 29 and 30.
The Ghost Walks are a collaboration between the Okotoks and District Historical Society and the Okotoks Museum and Archives.
“It’s all based on stories that people told us,” said Peters. “It makes it scarier.”
Peters said the walks are an important part of Okotoks’ history.
“It gives you a sense of culture and folklore in the community,” she said. “It continues the tradition of storytelling in the community. All communities have stories associated with them. It’s important to continue those traditions.”
One story Peters tells is about a ghost in a long white dress spotted by volunteers, visitors and tourists in the Okotoks Art Gallery, formerly the train station, where the platform used to be on the south side of the station.
Another popular story is of a ghostly janitor believed to live at the century-old Okotoks Junior High School, who’s been heard whistling and walking through the hallways.
Peters also shares the story of her ghostly encounter in the junior high school 16 years ago, but those interested in learning more will have to join her tour.
“Some people come because they are cynics and some come because they want to hear a good ghost story,” she said.
Stories told by the historians accumulate each year because they learn of ghostly encounters from those on the tour and often add them to their tales.
This weekend’s tour will be the first time Walsh-Besso has led a ghost walk before Halloween. Her first experience was during last summer’s full-moon walks.
“Because it’s so close to Halloween people will expect things to be creepy and are hoping to get a scare, although we try not to make it too scary,” she said. “I think because Halloween is right around the corner people are wanting to have that experience of something a little scary.”
During Walsh-Besso’s summer tours, she had people share their own stories of ghostly encounters, some of which she will share this weekend.
“We are going to talk about different ghost experiences that people have had in different locations,” she said. “You always want to tell a good story and have people enjoy the story and also get a little bit of a historical experience, along with a creepy story.”
The tours last 60 to 75 minutes and have sold out in recent years. They initially took place over two nights, but expanded to three in recent years to meet public demand.
The tours cost $5 and must be purchased in advance at the Okotoks Art Gallery or by calling 403-938-3204. Proceeds go to the historical society to support community projects. The tours are not recommended for children 12 and under.
