Haunted history tours highlight paranormal festival

Isabeau Esby ... noted medium

ROCHESTER - Rochester will host its first-ever Paranormal/UFO Festival in the downtown this Friday and Saturday.

One of the featured events will be the offering of two "Haunted History" Tours, one at 11 a.m. and another at 3 p.m. with noted medium Isabeau Esby and local historian Martha Wingate.

Tours are limited to 20 persons each and tickets must be reserved in advance by visiting www.rochestermainstreet.org and using paypal. The website also has additional info on the times.

The cost of the tour is $5 per person. They will leave from Factory Court promptly at their assigned times and end up at The Cast & Grind for complimentary cider and a doughnut.

The tour genesis this summer when Esby, international psychic medium, author and spiritual teacher visited several of our downtown area buildings for possible inclusion in a haunted tour. She was accompanied by note taker Charles Creteau and a videographer to record any "findings." In a separate area, Wingate has researched the buildings that were visited, and the two will come together on Saturday to give two "Haunted History" guided tours. Esby has been tested by Kitt Research Institute for her accuracy in mediumship, and Wingate has guided many a historic tour in Rochester over the years.

The festival begins on Friday with a "Skywatch" presentation at 7:30 p.m. in City Hall Chambers in partnership with the New Hampshire Astronomical Society. Following the presentation (weather permitting) eventgoers will adjourn to the Rochester Commons where attendees will have the chance to search the heavens through telescopes. (There is no charge for attending this event).

On Saturday the Festival opens at 10 a.m. with vendors and demonstrations in the Union Street Parking Lot behind Jetpack Comics. Starting at 10:30 am the Rochester Public library will screen two free movies: Close Encounters and ET, and at 11 am the first of two "Haunted History Tours" will step off from the tent at Factory Court.
Throughout the day guests may also visit with mediums and tarot readers at several local business, and a second Haunted History tour will be offered.

Vendor applications are still being accepted and Seacoast Saucers and Seacoast Paranormal Encounters will be on site at the Knights of Columbus Exhibit Hall at 40 Columbus Avenue through 4 p.m. with demonstrations and information. For vendor applications or more information you can call the Rochester Main Street office at 603-330-3208, email director@rochestermainstreet.org or visit www.rochestermainstreet.org. Information on activities the day of the festival will be available under the blue tent at Factory Court in the center of downtown.

The festival is put on by Rochester Main Street in partnership with Jetpack Comics.