Ghost Stories Wanted For 'Paranormal Open Mic' At Open Outcry

CHICAGO — What's better than a night of ghost stories in late October? A night of ghost stories with local connections in late October at a local brewery, for sure. That's what is in the plans for Thursday night, Oct. 25, when "A Paranormal Open Mic Night" will add a spooky component to the atmosphere at the Open Outcry Brewing Company at 10934 S. Western Ave.

Carol Flynn, a local historian with the Ridge Historical Society, has been collecting paranormal and "ghost stories" for years. She's agreed to share a few of them with anyone who comes by Open Outcry between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. the night of the event.

"I am not a ghost hunter by any means," said Flynn. "I'm not doing anything like publishing a haunted guide to Beverly and Morgan Park. But we have some very interesting experiences people have had in the neighborhood that I think people will enjoy hearing about."

But it won't just be Flynn sharing her research. Several local residents are lined up to speak from experience about paranormal activity they've noticed in the neighborhood. And more are sought to add to what is already setting up to be a spooky night. Anyone interested in sharing their paranormal experience should email Flynn at cflynn2013@yahoo.com or get in touch with Open Outcry.

Since many of Flynn's stories involve private homes, businesses and churches, specific locations of where the stories occurred will not be given. Although there will be at least two exceptions to that rule, Flynn said.

"The Irish Castle will be an exception," she said. "Back in the 1970s and 1980s, they did a series of newspaper articles about the many haunted stories there and even billed it as 'the haunted Irish Castle.'"

Another somewhat local spot that may come up is Memorial Park at 127th and Highland in Blue Island, the site of the Old Blue Island Cemetery in the late 19th century.

In the early 20th century, all families were urged to move their deceased loved ones somewhere else as the land would turn into a park. But not all did.

"That park has since become known for its paranormal activity," Flynn said.

Ghost stories from guests can be from incidents having occurred in Beverly/Morgan Park or anywhere nearby.

"Washington Heights, Mount Greenwood, Evergreen Park, Oak Lawn," Flynn said. "It is all local, so if you have a good story to tell, we'd love to have you."

"And even if you don't feel comfortable about telling your story in public, I'd still like to hear it myself."

Flynn says Astrology and Tarot Card readings will also be offered at the event, as will a chance to help those in need.

Anyone with gently used Halloween costumes for kids in grades K through 5 should bring them that night to help children whose families cannot afford them.

Photo by Tim Moran / Patch