By 1812Blockhouse
One of Mansfield’s most recognizable landmarks will again become a gathering place for ghost hunters, psychics, cryptid researchers, UFO investigators, authors, healers, vendors and paranormal enthusiasts when ParaPsyCon 7 takes over the Ohio State Reformatory this coming weekend, May 15-17. The massive paranormal and psychic convention will fill the former prison with wall-to-wall vendors, celebrity guests, speakers, panels, meet-and-greets and investigations, all inside a building already known around the world for its eerie reputation and screen presence.
As Richland Countians know well, the Ohio State Reformatory gained international recognition more than three decades ago as Shawshank Prison in The Shawshank Redemption. Since then, the site has continued to grow as both a film destination and a haunt-tourism landmark. It has been featured in productions including Air Force One, starring Harrison Ford, and Judas and the Black Messiah, along with music videos and other high-profile projects. It is also frequently cited among America’s most haunted and scariest places, with a long history of paranormal investigations, reported apparitions and haunted experiences.
Psychics, Cryptids, UFOs And Celebrity Guests
ParaPsyCon 7 will bring together a wide range of personalities from the paranormal and unexplained worlds. Speakers and panelists are expected to cover topics including hauntings, wraiths, psychics, mediums, cryptids, UFOs and other mysteries. Scheduled guests 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, Satori Hawes and Cody Ray Desbiens, Chris Smith, Mike Goncalves, Dan Sturges, Ken Gerhard, Tim Shaw, Lauren Hellickson, Dana Stricker and Haley Michelle.
Vendors and celebrities will be available Saturday, May 16 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday, May 17 from noon to 5:00 PM. Vendor offerings will include stones, crystals, jewelry, tarot items and other paranormal, spiritual and metaphysical goods.
Regular paid admission to the Ohio State Reformatory includes access to ParaPsyCon vendor areas, celebrity meet-and-greets, speakers and a self-guided Reformatory tour. Weekend passes are $50. Daily admission is $30 for adults 18 and older, and $25 for seniors 55 and older, students and military members with ID. Children 6 and under are admitted free.
Additional tickets or fees are required for several special experiences, including the VIP Kickoff Party, Celebrity Ghost Hunt, celebrity autographs and photos, merchandise, guided tours and audio tour wands. Details and tickets are available at ParaPsyCon.com.
Special Events Begin Thursday Night
The weekend begins early with a Gallery Reading by renowned psychic Cindy Kaza on Thursday, May 14 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The event is limited to 80 participants and requires a separate $50 ticket. In the group setting, Kaza will tap into the collective energy of attendees and deliver messages from the spirit world. Organizers note that not every guest receives an individual reading, but describe the experience as meaningful and uplifting for many who attend.
On Friday, May 15 from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM, the VIP Kickoff Party will take place at Lofts & Rails Event Center. Tickets are $119 and include hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, celebrity and VIP meetups, and an auction benefiting the Ohio State Reformatory. Auction items will include unique personal items signed by celebrity guests.
A Late-Night Ghost Hunt Inside The Prison
One of the weekend’s most exclusive experiences will be the Celebrity Ghost Hunt on Saturday, May 16 from 7:30 PM to 2:30 AM. The hunt is limited to 80 participants and costs $220 per person. From 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM, 20 celebrity VIP special guests will join the organized investigation. Then, from 10:30 PM to 2:30 AM, participants will be able to investigate the prison on their own.
The setting gives attendees access to one of the country’s best-known haunted destinations during the overnight hours, when the Reformatory’s long corridors, cells and historic spaces take on an entirely different atmosphere.
Raffles, Scavenger Hunts And Local Giving
ParaPsyCon will also include several interactive opportunities for guests.
Escape Room Celebrity Raffle tickets are $5 each or 12 for $20. One winner, along with up to three guests, will choose one of the Reformatory’s three escape rooms and be joined by two ParaPsyCon celebrities as they race to solve clues, puzzles and hidden-chamber challenges.
A Vendor Scavenger Hunt will send guests to vendor tables in search of 20 listed items. Those who complete the hunt can enter to win a $250 gift voucher or certificate for the Ohio State Reformatory Museum Store.
A Vendor Sweepstakes will also reward participating guests with chances to win prizes, including a private Ohio State Reformatory paranormal investigation valued at more than $1,500.
Attendees are encouraged to visit the Ohio State Reformatory Museum Store, where OSR shirts, books, coffee, souvenirs and other items are sold. Profits support the Reformatory’s continued maintenance and restoration. Guests are also asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the local food bank, or pet food and accessories for the local animal shelter.
