Ghosts hunted during Haunted Weekend

Ghosts can be found on the streets and in the cemeteries for a fun and historic Haunted Weekend beginning Oct. 19. Guided tours take ghost hunters on a nighttime walk past haunted buildings and sites where former residents met untimely deaths by murder or suicide.

Residents to meet along the route of the Haunted Gardnerville Ghost Walk on Oct. 19 are Arendt and Lena Jensen, Danish settlers who owned the mercantile, local bank, ranches, dairy and creamery and built the mansion at the end of Eddy Street. The Jensens are portrayed by Dwight and Dianna Borges.

The tour continues to the old telephone office, now Eddy Street Book Exchange, to visit operators from the past who just can't move on. They will be re-enacted by Ruby (Polish) Roach, Gorgia (Vann) Paige and Donnis Thran.

The ghosts of Douglas Avenue come to life at the old Krummes Mortuary. Ellinor Hand, the wife of Dr. Hand, might be found and relate stories about life in Carson Valley.

Tom Hickey will take on the persona of Judge Hickey who kept the neighbor ladies in pocket money witnessing weddings. The judge will also relate creepy stories about when he was the coroner.

No ghost walk would be complete without the old hospital where Nurse Kenny may be encountered. Strange sights and sounds are always seen and heard inside the building.

If you dare, step back in time for a spirited adventure into Gardnerville's haunted history for an evening of family fun.

-- The Haunted Gardnerville Ghost Walk guided walking tours depart from the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center in Gardnerville at 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Oct. 19. Cost is $5 per person. Hot cider provided by the Douglas County Historical Society.

-- Carson City's Something Wicked This Way Comes Ghost Walk is Oct. 20. Ticket holders take tours along the Kit Carson Trail with stops at some of the oldest buildings and homes. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for ages 6-12. Tours are 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Telegraph Square, on the corner of Telegraph and Curry streets.

-- The Douglas County Historical Society's 12th annual cemetery tour is at the Mottsville Cemetery where some of Nevada's earliest pioneers are buried. Guided tours are about every 15 minutes from 6:30 - 8 p.m. Cost is $5 per person.

The Mottsville Cemetery is on Old Foothill Road, one street east of the intersection of Foothill Road and Mottsville Lane. Watch for and follow the ghosts to the cemetery.

-- The Haunted Genoa Ghost Walk departs at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Oct. 21 from the Genoa Court House Museum on Main Street in Genoa. Tickets are $5 per person.

Bring a flashlight, dress warmly and wear comfortable walking shoes for the Haunted Gardnerville Ghost Walk and the Mottsville Cemetery Tour.

Advanced tickets are recommended and may be purchased at the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center in Gardnerville, at the Carson City Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Go to info@carsonvalleynv.org or visitcarsonvalley.org. Call 782-2555 or (800)727-7677.

The Haunted Weekend pass to attend all four Haunted Weekend events is $30.

Haunted Weekend is a collaboration between the Douglas County Historical Society, Town of Gardnerville, Carson Valley Visitors Authority and Carson City Visitors Bureau.