The Kent Stage kicked off its 10th annual Ghost Walk this weekend. The long-time Kent tradition took participants through a night of historical venues, live-speakers and re-enactments.

In celebration of the decade-long event, a lot of new stops were added to the walk this year.

“We’re always looking at different ways to change it up to keep people coming back for more,” said Cheryl Cone, a co-organizer of the Ghost Walk.

Ghost Walk participants began thier night at the Kent Stage where they were given a brief of history of the city. The Kent Stage opened as a movie theater in 1927 and was transformed into a concert venue in 2002.

“You must embrace it; this is a part of Kent that needs to survive,” said Joyce Mollenkopf, a speaker at the Ghost Walk.

Stops during the walk included the Kent Stage, St. Patrick Church and Brady Street, among others.

The Kent Stage is best known for sightings of a “shadow man” in the theater’s stage or under the exit sign.

Located several blocks from Main Street, Brady Street is known for its paranormal activity, included the allegedly huanted former home of Clayton Apple, a Kent police officer in the 1920s who was murdered by bootleggers. The house featured a storytelling segment performed by Jeff St. Clair, who portrayed Apple.

Main Street Kent and the Kent Stage began the walks 10 years ago, using local legends to spark interest. 

“Many ideas come from the old Pufferbelly and Kent Historical Society,” said Richele Charlton, a co-organizer of the event. “People also send in personal experiences.”

Following the ghost walk, attendees had the opportunity to participate in the ghost hunt with real ghost hunters while they seek the supernatural around Kent.

Kassandra Kaczmarek is an arts and entertainment reporter. Contact her at [email protected].