A midsummer chill might crawl down your spine as witches, psychics, and metaphysicists flag down the spirits at today's
Paranormal Expo in Painesville. Take the mysterious death of a woman shortly after her wedding in the pub and restaurant where the fest is being held. "The staff say people have heard voices calling their names from out of nowhere," says psychic Elaine Hinton, who organizes the popular Meet the Spirits graveyard and haunted-house tours. "Some say she had 'help' falling down the stairs."Along with mind, palm, and tarot-card readings, spook-seekers can sit in on workshops about UFOs, chakras, ghost-spotting, and mystical treasure hunts. They'll also take home "paranormal gift baskets" that are stuffed with DVDs, books, and other "nice spiritual items." "There are so many opportunities to be haunted, to be sure," says Hinton. "But you're more likely to have lots of fun meeting some interesting people." There will also be a 50/50 raffle of more goodies to raise money for the science-fiction and fantasy sections of Painesville's Morely Library. Patrons then can enter their scariest snapshots in a supernatural-photography contest. And at least 15 vendors will hawk psychic gear such as candles, books, mystical art, and handmade witches' brooms. "They sell pretty good," says Hinton. "No word on whether actual flight has been achieved." The expo runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at the Rider's Inn, 792 Mentor Avenue in Painesville. Admission is $10 to $35. Call 440-352-1721 or visit
www.meetthespirits.com.
Sun., June 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., 2008