Witches Ball to mark 30 years of Haunted Parkersburg
Susan Sheppard, founder of Haunted Parkersburg, poses with one of her paintings. Haunted Parkersburg's Witches Ball will raise funds to help build a memorial honoring Sheppard. (File photo)
Susan Sheppard stood with a self portrait, one of her many pieces of art she created throughout her life. Haunted Parkersburg's Witches Ball will raise funds for a memorial honoring the founder, Sheppard. (File photo)
Susan Sheppard, founder of Haunted Parkersburg, poses with one of her paintings. Haunted Parkersburg's Witches Ball will raise funds to help build a memorial honoring Sheppard. (File photo)
Susan Sheppard stood with a self portrait, one of her many pieces of art she created throughout her life. Haunted Parkersburg's Witches Ball will raise funds for a memorial honoring the founder, Sheppard. (File photo)
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PARKERSBURG -- Haunted Parkersburg will celebrate 30 years of ghost tours and raise money for a memorial honoring founder Susan Sheppard during a Witches Ball on Oct. 29 at the Parkersburg Art Center.
The event will be held from 7-10 p.m. in the center's Wharton Grande Ballroom, with live folk music, vendors, refreshments, a silent auction and other activities, according to a release from Haunted Parkersburg.
"I wanted to create an exciting Halloween party for the grown ups!" creative director Scarlet Sheppard said in the release. "The thirtieth anniversary of Haunted Parkersburg is a huge milestone for us as we continue sharing the living legacy of our founder: my late mother, Susan."
The event will benefit the Susan Sheppard Memorial Statue Fund, which supports plans to commission a bronze bust of Sheppard by West Virginia sculptor Jamie Lester.
Scarlet Sheppard said the proposal has received an outpouring of support. The bust is tentatively planned for the art center's Art Park at the northeast corner of Eighth and Market streets, but the project depends on successful fundraising, according to the release.
The release described Susan Sheppard's role in developing paranormal tourism in West Virginia and her efforts to promote acceptance of artists and people considered different.
"Susan Sheppard's Haunted Parkersburg Tours are a big part of our community’s fall fabric," Parkersburg Art Center managing director Jessie Seifert said in the release. "The idea of a sculpture in her honor is wonderful; art bringing community together is what it’s all about!"
General admission includes access to vendors and activities, including free tarot card readings from Odin's Rose and vintage paper moon portraits by Michelle Waters Photography. The event also will feature illusions by magician Robert Ramirez, drinks and hors d'oeuvres, and sales of Susan Sheppard's books and merchandise.
Tickets and more information are available at hauntedparkersburgtours.com.