The trendiest costume this year is expected to be the zombie. According to 2011 Top Costume Survey conducted annually by the National Retail Federation, more than 2.6 million men, women and children plan to dress as zombies this Halloween. Thanks to the pop culture phenomenon of best-selling books, blockbuster movies, video games and television show characters, zombie costumes jumped from number 22 last year to number nine on children’s top costume list and from number seven to four on the adult list.
Zombies
As in previous years, traditional costumes still rank as consumer favorites, according to the National Retail Federation. Witches 13.4%) will be the top choice for adults while pirates (3.9%) and vampires (3.7%) win out thanks to popular television, movie
and pop-culture characters. Batman (2.2%), cats (2.2%) and vixens (2.1%) will also be popular with adults this year.
“Halloween isn’t just for kids anymore, as adults are just as likely to get in on the fun with clever, unique costumes,” said Matthew Shay NRF President and CEO. “With Halloween falling on a Monday, restaurants and retailers will benefit as many Americans celebrate all weekend long.”
More than 46 million children are now set for a specific costume. Pint-sized princesses (11%) continue their seven-year reign as the top children’s costume while other top choices for kids include Spiderman (3.1%), Batman (2.4%) and Superman (1.3%). Additionally, fairies (2.6%), Disney princesses (2.2%) and vampires (2.4%) made the top 10 for children.
Man’s best friend is also getting into the Halloween spirit this year. Like last year, the most popular pet costume will be a pumpkin
(10.7%), with devils (8.1%) and hot dogs (6.0%) following closely behind. Ironically, some pet owners also plan to dress their pet up like a cat (3.7%) or a dog (2.0%).
Assuming national trends aren’t playing tricks on Nevada, 1.4 million residents 18 years and older will spend money on the spooky holiday this year. If each Nevadan celebrating the holiday spends the expected average of $72.31, total spending in the state will reach $99 million, reports the Nevada News Bureau.
Speaking of spending, here are some places in Carson City where you can find the latest-greatest and spookiest costumes.
Spirit Halloween is a seasonal store with three locations in Northern Nevada including at the Carson Mall. The store boasts that they have just about anything you’d ever want in the way of Halloween costumes and other accessories, for everyone from infants to adults. 1443 S. Carson St., Carson City, (775) 841-2744.
Halloween City at in Carson City is part of the Party City group of stores. Get costumes for everyone in the family and every other
Halloween item you need for a spooky good time. 911 Topsy Lane suite 102
As a psychic I have had many wonderful experiences at the homes in the historic district of Carson City. And again this year I will have the privilege to introduce attendees on the Ghost Walk to one of my favorite Carson City spirits.
This year for the Ghost Walk I will be at the Rinckel Mansion telling of my experiences at the mansion. I am excited to be doing the Rinckel Mansion this year as I am especially fond of Louise Rinckel who was the last one in the family to live in the house. Louise has always interacted with me when I visit the Rinckel and I am really looking forward to spending the day with her and hoping she will assist me with the tours.
To this day Louise still watches over the home along with her father. Louise keeps to the downstairs much like she did during her last days at the mansion. Mr. Rinckel can often be seen standing at the top of the staircase. This house is still alive with the Rinckels who were very much a part of molding Carson City in its infancy.
The Bliss Mansion will also be on the tour this year. This home has to be one of the most elegant in Carson City. The home was originally built on a burial ground. It was first an Indian burial ground and then became a cemetery for the poorer residents of Carson City. I believe the house is partly haunted by some of its first residents. I have had many experiences at this mansion. Being able to tour this home is not to be missed as it is now a private residence and not generally open to the public.
I will never forget coming down the stairs at the mansion and stopping at the landing that looks down at the front door to see the entry filled with men and women from the 1800’s shedding their coats and hats. They had come for one of the Bliss’ many parties.
Bliss Manison
The past owners of the mansion had let me take a visitor through the home while they were away. When I came to the door and started to turn the knob to go in I heard an old woman telling me not to forget the dog. I had to let the dog know it was me before going in… We captured an EVP just a second before I called out to the dog of an old woman telling me “Don’t forget the dog”.
The bedroom that overlooks a very large tree we met a little girl who wanted us to play with her. Our recorders caught her asking us to “swing.” Listen closely and you will hear her soft voice in the background. I have often wondered if that large tree once had a swing.
I was getting ready to open another door of one of the bedrooms when I heard a voice saying that I should not go in the room. But I remembered no one was staying at the mansion that day. When we reviewed our recorder on tape was a woman’s voice telling me not to come into that room.
Bliss Bungalow, currently a bed and breakfast will also be on the tour. If you walk up to the house quietly, you just might see a woman with dark hair sitting in one of the chairs on the porch. This is a woman who until about 2 years ago was the caretaker of the bungalow. She passed a couple of years ago but loved the home so much she visits it often. Also, I have never walked into the kitchen of this home without being greeted with a kind “Hello” from a woman spirit. If you walk around the corner and look up at the windows, you just may be lucky enough to spot three women from the Victorian era looking out the window. These three women are all related. Two of the sisters used to live in a small home across the street which is now torn down. The third woman is their cousin and she had a home just south a block or two from the bungalow.
When you go on the 19th annual Carson City Ghost Walk pay close attention during your tour and see what experiences you have in these wonderful haunted homes.
The Carson City Ghost Walk is on October 22, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 pm. With tours leaving every half hour. Tickets in advance are $15 and $20 at the door. Children under 4 are free. Tickets are available at the Carson City Convention and Visitors Bureau, 1900 S. Carson St. and online at www.brownpaperticket.com/event/193745.
Louise Rinckel and I are looking forward to your visit!
Janet Jones is a local psychic who has been investigating the haunts of Carson City for over 20 years.
A walk through Carson City’s historic district is always a unique ghostly experience. Let me guide you through some ghostly highlights before you venture out on your ghostly adventure.
Beginning on W. Robinson St. and the corner of Hwy 395/Carson St. you will find the Nevada State Museum formerly the U.S. Mint. I believe there are many spirits in this building but the most notable is a spirit of a man in the “ghost town” section of the museum. Take a few moments to quietly listen and watch, see if he will appear for you.
Just behind the State Museum on the corner of Curry & Robinson you will find a large white building that was once a lovely home. On the side of the house facing Robinson there were once daffodils planted below one of the windows. It has been widely reported that a little girl spirit picks the daffodils and then tries to bring them inside with her when she walks through the wall. Unfortunately, the daffodils are found on the ground outside the window as they cannot go through the wall as she had.
A couple of blocks up on Robinson you will come to the Bliss Bungalow, currently a bed and breakfast. If you walk up to the house quietly, you just might see a woman with dark hair sitting in one of the chairs on the porch. This is a woman who until about 2 years ago was the caretaker of the bungalow. She passed a couple of years ago but loved the home so much she visits it often. Also, I have never walked into the kitchen of this home without being greeted with a kind “Hello” from a woman spirit. If you walk around the corner and look up at the windows, you just may be lucky enough to spot three women from the Victorian era looking out the window. These three women are all related. Two of the sisters used to live in a small home across the street which is now torn down. The third woman is their cousin and she had a home just south a block or two from the bungalow.
As you continue walking up Robinson Street you will come to the Bliss Mansion. This is currently a private residence but definitely one of the most active homes in Carson City. The mansion was built on an Indian burial ground which also became a burial ground for the poor of Carson City. I have met many, many spirits in this home. We estimate at least 35 roam these grounds. I will never forget coming down the stairs and stopping at the landing that looked down at the front door to see the entry filled with men and women from the 1800’s shedding their coats and hats. They had come for one of the Bliss’ many parties.
Bliss Mansion
My friends who once owned the mansion had let me take a visitor through the home. When I came to the door and started to turn the knob to go in I suddenly remembered to call out to the dog and let him know that it was me. We captured an EVP just a second before I called out to the dog after an old woman who told me “Don’t forget the dog.”
The house was empty but as I came to one room and began to open the door I heard “don’t come in here.” I hesitated and then realized no one was in that room. When we reviewed our recordings, sure enough there was a voice of a woman saying “don’t come in here.
The bedroom that overlooks a very large tree we met a little girl who wanted us to play with her. Our recorders caught her asking us to “swing.” Listen closely and you will hear her soft voice in the background. I have often wondered if that large tree once had a swing.
The Bender home which is across the street from the Bliss Mansion has a lovely ghost that likes to bake. The owners have enjoyed the delicious smells coming from the kitchen for years.
You will now turn the corner and head down Mountain Street. You will come to the Krebs-Peterson House which was used in John Wayne’s last movie “The Shootest.” As you stop in front of the home, look up at the second floor windows. This is a small sitting room and sometimes you can catch someone looking out those windows down at you. This home has a number of spirits but I have always found one in this room looking out watching the world go by.
Walk down about one block and you will find a large old tree, it even looks haunted! Usually when we do our October Ghost Walk we have a witch hiding behind this tree. Have one of your friends stand next to it and take their picture. Don’t be surprised if you find beams of light across their face or orbs. This tree rarely disappoints and always worth a photo opportunity.
Now go back about a block and turn down Spear Street and head back towards Carson Street. When you reach the corner of Division and Spear you will be in front of Orion Clemens home (he was Mark Twain’s brother) which is now a law firm’s office. Next to the home you will see a small bungalow attached. This was once the servant’s quarters. This small building has a young woman spirit who might have been a maid for the Clemens at one time. She will occasionally move things. But the most recent activity at this home was a few months ago. I was sitting in the maid’s quarters and kept catching something out of the corner of my eye. I would see shadows dart by. My friend who has an office there asked me if I was seeing them too. Well, before I left her office we both saw a shadow man walk behind a large tree along the sidewalk and never come out the other side. I left my friend mumbling to herself in amazement because she had never experienced seeing a true spirit. I always love to witness someone’s first experience!
If you are interested in learning more about the Carson City resident ghosts, you will have an opportunity on August 20th on a 90 minute walking tour led by Madame Curry. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 on the day of the tour. You will meet Madame Curry on the corner of Curry & W. Third just behind Firkin Fox restaurant at 6:30 p.m. Advance tickets can be purchased at the Carson City Convention & Visitors Bureau gift store at 1900 S. Carson St. (located on the Nevada Railroad Museum property). (775) 687-7410 or 1-Nevada-1.
Written-by Janet Jones a local psychic medium who has been exploring the spirits of Carson City for more than 20 years.
The Carson City Ghost Walk is this Saturday, October 23.The Ghost Walk is a guided walk by period costumed guides through our historic district.A selected number of homes will be open for viewing and inside these homes will be actors dressed in period costume portraying historic characters who haunt the home or city.It is a very professional well done tour and very popular.The tours begin at 10:00 a.m. and leaves every half hour until 2:00 p.m.There are two different tours that leave each half hour.This year they are called “The Curses” and the “The Rumors”.
This year I was asked to do one of the locations as a true ghost hunt experience.I invited my friend Sandie to assist me on the tours.Sandie and I are both psychic/mediums.We work with a paranormal group called “The Thin Veil Investigators” and do ghost hunts nearly every weekend.
St Charles Hotel hallway with no orb
This summer I hosted a segment on a new T.V. series “My Ghost Story”.Sandie caught on video a claw on one of our hunts.This video was used on “My Ghost Story” and I narrated the story of our experience that produced this video.Thin Veil Investigators are currently working on 2-3 segments for next year’s season of “My Ghost Story”.
On the Carson City Ghost Walk we will be sharing our experiences at the St. Charles Hotel on the Cursers Tour.The St. Charles is one of the segments we are working on for “My Ghost Story”.
Our tour of the St. Charles will be interactive.We will explain what are normal feelings, reactions, etc. that happen during a live hunt.We will ask the tour to participate and let us know if they have been touched, have chills, feel dizzy, etc.
You will meet Steve a recent tenant that passed a couple of years ago.Steve loves his picture to be taken and loves attention.So bring your cameras and tape recorders.Steve will not disappoint you.
Then there is Phil.We call him Mean Phil.He has serious personality issues.He is always mad, even when he is happy.He can’t appear happy he has a reputation to maintain!Phil is also very territorial and likes to pull women’s hair…one or two strands at a time.Phil is too special to go out on the outside deck to smoke, so you may smell his cigarette smoke when you enter his room.
St Charles Hotel with blue orb bottom/center
Today Sandie and I went to the St. Charles to “rehearse” our tour and the order we wanted to do it in.The St. Charles’ spirits were very active today.Sandie and I both experienced dizziness, headaches, difficulty breathing and temperature changes.
We went into Phil’s room to talk to him about the tour.Phil has to be coaxed and pampered.When we left Phil he was, of course, mad.A while later we were standing at the end of his hall and I looked down the hall, there was a darkness at the end by Phil’s door.Sandie said “Phil is throwing a tantrum about the tour.”And was he ever!The hall just got darker and darker.But Phil wouldn’t be Phil if he didn’t.If we now went and told him he wasn’t going to be visited by us on the tour, he would throw another tantrum and be mad that we were not including him.”Sandie will be giving Phil’s portion of the tour.She and Phil have a special relationship.She fights really well with him.The two of them together can be quite funny at times.Sandie knows just how to push his buttons.So no telling how he will behave.
We then went in to see Steve.Now this is a whole different animal.Steve is a great big guy and a happy guy.He embraces company eagerly.He will perform just to please.Steve is one of our favorites.Today he was very, very excited about the upcoming tour.I know this sounds silly but he really is excited.Remember spirits were people just like you and I.Just because you pass on doesn’t change who you are.
We went up to the third floor to see the old lady in one of the rooms where she undoes the bed.You make the bed and return awhile later to find it torn up.
While we were up there I took a picture down the hall.A small blue energy showed up on the wall.I wonder if it is not the little boy that resides on this floor who calls for his momma.(see photo and evp) st-charles-momma-evp2
Blue orb closer look
We visited a number of our favorite spirits at the St. Charles today.But I was so exhausted from them feeding off my energy.When I returned to work I found it difficult to work from being so tired.
Sandie and I are looking forward to Saturday.If Saturday is anything like today, I will be in bed by 6:00 p.m. that day!
Sandie and I are putting together photos, video and evps that we have acquired on our visits to the St. Charles to share with the tours.
Come share our experience at the St. Charles this Saturday.Steve, Phil, Larry and all the other spirits are looking forward to meeting you!
This October the Carson City Convention and Visitors Bureau and the City of Carson’s Redevelopment Authority would like to invite you to brave the city’s oldest residents at “The Festival of Spirits” Ghost Walk. Travel through the haunted streets of Historic Carson City, Saturday October 23rd, and stroll into the regions spooky past. Choose from two different fully guided tour options leaving every half hour from 3rd and Carson Street and travel along the Historic Kit Carson Trail. For just $20 for adults and $10 for kids (6-10) you can enjoy a 90 minute tour packed with history, folklore, and fun. These two tours are sure to promise a frighteningly good time.
The Curses Tour takes you deep into the most haunted locations in Carson City. Encounter the Top Hat Ghost at the St. Charles Hotel. In the early 1800’s, this man was a former occupant of the hotel in room 216. Though his stay at the hotel ended, he never did “check out.” The Esser Home, Methodist Church, & The Brougher Bath Home will also give you a chance to connect with the other side. The tour will guide you through the locations that have made Carson City’s history so unique.
The Rumors tour takes you on a journey into the history and intrigue of Carson City. On the tour you will experience 6 hair-raising locations that make up much of Carson City’s checkered past. The Ferris Mansion is home to a bride who was married in the early 1900’s. The fully gowned ghost can be seen walking around the back gate of the property. The only vow she kept was to haunt this now famous location. The Piano is the focal point of the Edwards Home. Once a prize possession to the Edwards family housekeeper in the late 1800’s the piano continues to be dusted to this day by the dedicated partition. The tour continues with the infamous Krebs-Peterson Home. This home was the location of John Wayne’s final movie, The Shootist. For more information on Krebs-Peterson Home and all of Carson City’s historic homes check out the Historic Buildings page.
If you want to see a different side of the Carson Valley, make sure you come out for the Festival of Spirits. It is an experience to die for. For more information and to purchase tickets go to activitytickets.com or call 800-NEVADA-1.
The V&T Railroad which originally ran between Virginia City and Carson City in 1869 has been reconstructed and it opened for passengers this last August. The steam engine and passenger cars that travel today from Virginia City to Carson City are original 1800 stock.
During the Thanksgiving weekend there were volunteers that rode the train dressed in period costume. This gave the riders a definite feeling that they had stepped back in time to the 1800’s. And evidently it was so convincing that spirits from the 1800’s took the opportunity to ride their beloved train once again.
Upon reviewing photographs taken on the train that day it was discovered that there were passengers riding that were not on the manifest. Do you see the large orbs in this photo? I know there is much controversy regarding what orbs are, but I have been working in the paranormal field for many years and truly believe that most orbs are NOT dust. This photo is an example of true spirits riding the train. Also, look closely (enlarge the photo on your computer) and look at the window on the left side of the train next to the large white orb. Look at the volunteers reflection of her sleeve, can you see the Victorian woman in winter clothes and hat reflecting off her sleeve? Often spirits can be seen in windows and mirrors such as this one.
spirits riding the V and T Railroad
Virginia City and Carson City are rich with spirits of the past and finding them riding the train is not a surprising occurrence. Spirits are often drawn to situations that are similar to life when they were alive. So, for the V&T running again with its 1800 period cars, engine and people dressed in clothing from that era I am sure the spirits were drawn to riding the train once again! I can just imagine them hoping on the train in Virginia City just as they did 100 years ago. I wonder what they thought of men and women wearing baseball caps! Today’s passengers were certainly not dressed in their finest “going to town” clothes by these Victorian passengers’ standards. Can’t you just hear them “tsk, tsk, tsk!”?
I myself can’t wait to ride a night train next year and see what new friends I will meet on the train! And what pictures and possible EVP recordings I might get! I will be sure to share them here with you!
If you are interested in riding the V&T next year and hopefully experiencing the spirits, the train will begin running again on May 28, 2010 through October 31, 2010, Thursday through Sunday. And be sure to send me your experiences and photos to post here! By the way train tickets can be purchased online at www.visitcarsoncity.com later this winter.
Carson City in the fall is a treat for the eyes – golden aspens, festooned Victorian buildings, ghosts walking around…
The old Ferris (yes, the guy who invented the Ferris Wheel) house and it’s ghost.
Yes, ghosts! After attending the Carson City Ghost Walk last weekend, I’m a believer. Admittedly I already believed in ghosts, but I am now tried and true believer in downtown Carson City. Strolling along the historic Kit Carson Trail to view the charming houses dating back to the 1870s fit right into my budget (as in, so tight my ATM card squeaks). What a great way to some fresh air, enjoy the fall colors and go back in time to an era of petticoats, roaring steam trains and the Wild West.
I also grabbed a hearty bite at the Firkin and Fox Pub, set inside a glorious Victorian building and former brothel in the city’s bygone Red Light District. The ambiance is perfect for me – well appointed but not too stuffy – and my meal was awesome; brought to the table by the chef himself.
A fellow Ghost Walker about Firk it up at the Firkin and Fox Pub in Carson City.
Coming up this weekend: Nevada Day. As a native Californian, I am truly in awe of this holiday. First, many offices are closed – except mine! – to revel in the 36th state’s admittance to the Union on Oct. 31, 1864. Second, the state’s capital rolls out a four-day celebration to commemorate this event with offbeat historical homage. And let me tell you, Nevada knows how to party! It takes four days, Oct. 29 – Nov. 1 to pack in all the festivities for the state’s birthday. If you’re looking for something to do this weekend that is 1.) affordable and 2.) interesting, fun and maybe even quirky; I’d recommend adding Nevada Day to your list of things to do.
Sure, it’s Halloween and it’s going to be a long day, but an early arrival to catch the colorful Remax Hot Air Balloon Launch at 7:30 a.m. would be well worth it. You can even take a ride and support the Children’s Miracle Network, two passengers for $300. And for those early risers out there, two pancake breakfasts are going on that morning. The Nevada Day Parade pays tribute to President Abe Lincoln’s 200th birthday and embarks down Carson Street at 10 a.m.
Nevada Day’s Beard Contest awards eight plaques for longest, fullest, reddest, whitest, blackest, best salt and pepper, best groomed, scruffiest, and most bearded community.
Other events on my personal hit list: the Beard Contest; Nevada Day Pow Wow; annual Chili Feed hosted by Lieutenant Governor Krolicki; the RSVP Carnival Oct. 29 – Nov. 1 and a vintage train steam up at the Railroad Museum that’s also offering free admission all day on Oct. 31.
There are so many events and activities associated with Nevada Day, a trip to their website is a good place to start: http://www.NevadaDay.com if you’re planning on attending. I’d love to hear back on your experiences! Feel free to leave a comment below and tell me what you enjoyed throughout Nevada’s birthday.
Have fun!
Jenna
Jenna Palacio is a publicist for the Carson City Convention and Visitors Bureau, trying to leave the “spin” at her morning cycling class and simply deliver a fun and informative perspective on Nevada’s capital.
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