BUSINESS NEWS
Ghost hunters, storytellers, and thrill-seekers from across the region will descend upon Ellinwood on Saturday, April 26, for the inaugural Central Kansas Paracon, a full-day event exploring the unexplained in one of Kansas’ most historically haunted towns.
The convention will take place at the Historic Wolf Hotel in Ellinwood. The paranormal investigations will take part in the Ellinwood Underground, a preserved network of 19th-century tunnels beneath the city’s streets. The event serves as a fundraiser for the Ellinwood Underground City Foundation, which works to maintain and restore the historic subterranean business district.
The day’s lineup features six expert speakers, including Dustin Pari, known for his appearances on television’s Ghost Hunters. Pari will speak from 2 to 3 p.m., sharing personal stories from the field and offering insights into the world of paranormal investigation.
Other highlights include vendor booths featuring books, gear, handmade oddities, and curiosities, as well as concessions and interactive Q&A sessions following each presentation.
In the evening, guests will have the rare opportunity to participate in a live paranormal investigation of the tunnels. A limited-ticket experience with Pari will run from 8 to 9 p.m., followed by a larger group investigation with professional teams until midnight. General admission is $50, while VIP passes offering full-day access and both investigations are available for $100.
“The Ellinwood Underground is one of the last remaining intact tunnel systems in the state,” said Rick Casagrande, with the Ellinwood Underground City Foundation. “Hosting events like Paracon not only brings national attention to this hidden piece of Kansas history, but also helps us raise crucial funds to preserve and protect these historic spaces for future generations.”
The Ellinwood Underground is believed to be one of the only intact underground tunnel systems in Kansas still open to the public. Built by German immigrants in the late 1800s, the tunnels once housed saloons, barbershops, and speakeasies—many of which remain preserved to this day.
Tickets are available online. For more information, visit www.ellinwoodunderground.com