UFOs, ghosts and cryptids: Paracon returns to Sault Aug. 24-26
SAULT STE. MARIE — This weekend, the Soo will be one of the spookiest places in the state.
Paracon, one of the two largest paranormal conventions in the country, will be taking place at Kewadin Casino with dozens of speakers and workshops on the schedule covering various fields of paranormal research.
Founded by the Upper Peninsula Paranormal Research Society, Paracon is a three-day long convention that event coordinator Brad Blair described as "a huge pop culture crossover."
"We're bringing together some of the biggest names in the paranormal field," he said.
What started as a basic way of connecting local people interested in paranormal phenomenon, Paracon has since grown as a way to help build the paranormal community. Visitors come from across the country to attend Paracon every year.
"Back when we started the Upper Peninsula Paranormal Research Society in the 1990s, there really wasn't anything in the way of paranormal television outside of Halloween time," said Blair. "But now, with all these reality TV shows like 'Ghost Hunters,' 'Ghost Adventures,' 'Kindred Spirits' coming out in recent years, it's built this whole fan base around the paranormal field. This is a chance for these fans to come together and meet their favorite celebrities affiliated with the paranormal field."
The convention includes all kinds of topics, ranging from UFOs to cryptids to ghosts.
This year, the convention is hosting speakers who will be talking about remote viewing experiences of psychic phenomena.
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While most of the content of Paracon is aimed at those who believe in the paranormal, the convention is open to skeptics, and often hosts topics of discussion based around paranormal entertainment. In previous years, the convention has been host to actors such as "Ghostbusters" star Ernie Hudson, Kane Hodder who played Jason Vorhees, and others.
This year, the convention will be hosting a ghost hunter show game show that often features different comedians and other special guests.
Paracon grows every year, and organizers believe the Sault area is a big reason for that. It is a rural region with a rich history, as well as natural beauty.
"We have people visit from every state," Blair said. "We also have people visit from other countries, like Australia and England and France, and most of those people spend a little bit of extra time checking out the natural beauty of the U.P. and I think that's part of what draws them back year after year."
More information is available at saultstemarie.com/events-calendar/michigan-paranormal-convention. The convention begins Aug. 24 at Kewadin Casino and lasts through the weekend.
— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Sault News: UFOs, ghosts and cryptids: Paracon returns to Sault Aug. 24-26
