Mary Alice Orcutt Henderson of Santa Paula is the founder of GhostWalk this year celebrating it’s 20th anniversary with a special presentation of favorite past ghostly characters.

GhostWalk 2014: Unique scare-fest celebrating 20 years ghostoric years

October 03, 2014
Santa Paula News

When you consider the success of any event, and GhostWalk 2014 certainly represents a lengthy success as its 20th anniversary approaches, you have only to look at the top person involved. 

And the resounding success of GhostWalk warrants congratulating to long-time Santa Paula resident Mary Alice Orcutt Henderson, President of the Santa Paula Historical Society.  

Twenty years ago her friends Bob and Mary Binsley attended a local high school’s fundraiser (a ghost walk) in East Liverpool, Ohio. They were so impressed they brought the idea back to Mary Alice. She thought it showed promise as a potential fundraiser for either the Historical Society or the Santa Paula Theater Center.  

Leslie Nichols, then the Santa Paula Theater Center Board President, was delighted with the idea and Ventura County’s original and premiere Halloween event, GhostWalk was born.

“Recognizing that the narratives were the key components, I looked for some known, local authors,” said Mary Alice.  

Many were approached but in the end, five brave souls lent their creative expertise: first year writers were Mary Alice, Jeff G. Rack, Bill Nash, Bob Binsley and Linda Livingston.  

Three bright stars emerged with Mary Alice as the Executive Producer, Rack as the Artistic Director (he also created the beloved GhostWalk logo), and a friend he talked into doing the tech work as well as perform as a local storyteller - Louie Hengehold.  

The three continue to be leading participants for years and years of GhostWalks.

For the next 19 years, every GhostWalk presented new scripts and different locations with only a few venues repeated twice.

This year to celebrate GhostWalk’s 20th Anniversary a selection of vintage, favorite scripts will be presented at a popular venue, with the walk starting at the historic California Oil Museum.

The 1994 group of volunteers began with 18 guides, nine ticket takers, 10 ghosts and five writers. This year’s event utilizes over 100 volunteers that every year dedicate the last three weekends of October to give service to their beloved, quaint community. Santa Paula with its charm of California’s historic past is a perfect setting for this wonderfully entertaining street theater event.

Said Mary Alice, “History is a passion of mine, and to make it interesting for people of all ages is a never-ending passion. GhostWalk provides that means to share history in an interesting and memorable way.  If our visitors have learned something about Santa Paula’s rich history, then our efforts are most gratifying to me.”  

Rack, a noted producer, art director and writer now living in Los Angeles said, “I am proud to have been a part of GhostWalk from the beginning.  I love combining alternative venue theater with local history. And I believe GhostWalk encourages people to see more live theater.  

“This event is now a tradition of the town of Santa Paula,” that Rack said involves, “dedicated volunteers who love their community.” 

GhostWalk 2014 will be held October 10-12, 17-19 and 24-26.  

Prices are $18 for adults, $8 for students with a $12 discounted adult ticket for the 6:30 and 9:00 pm tours only.  

Reservations are required by calling the Haunt Line at (805) 525-3073 after Oct. 1st. For more information visit www.ghostwalk.com 

The 20th anniversary GhostWalk begins and ends at the California Oil Museum on the corner of 10th and Main streets. Wear comfortable shoes and plan on a walk of about one-hour. A flashlight is mandatory.





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