Spooky events showcase local ghosts -- Wichita, Kansas checks in tonight

Here's a quickie blurb on an increasingly popular trend. More businesses are capitalizing on the paranormal/ghost factor. Quickly fading are the days when that kind of activity was kept hush-hush for fear of driving away customers or decreasing property values.

Google the phrase "ghost tours" and you will find plenty of opportunities to go along for the ride. Most likely, even a spot within driving distance -- and if not -- make a few phone calls and get one going if you know some of the local haunts. That's actually how this event got started. Merchants were approached with a idea that might attract a few customers and offer a unique local draw.

That said, local shop owners are once again offering an up close and personal tour with the lively spirits of Historic Delano in Wichita, Kansas.

The 2nd Annual Ghost Stories of Historic Delano event runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, October 8th. Guests are welcome to join in at any time during the evening.

Checking in with the event organizer and owner of Central Plains Novelty shop, Nancy Lawrence has collected quite a few stories of personal encounters.

The star draw is a paranormal stand out. It involves an audio check at Lawrence-Dumont stadium. From the tale I heard, here's a paraphrasing: During a routine sound check, a voice came over the system with the directive to turn down the sound. That same instruction was given again. And for the former general manager of the stadium, when it became clear there was no one present who could possibly have done that, it was quite a bone-chilling moment.

Of the shops on the tour, each will have a representative present who can offer the background on that business and some of the strange goings on.

More details on the event can be found at Examiner.com