NEW MADRID -- An extreme haunting specialist is bringing fear to Dixie Theater this Friday the 13th.
Missourian Steven LaChance will be at the New Madrid theater at 7:30 p.m. Friday. The author, television personality and radio host will share his experiences from the "Fear House" in Union as well as what he has learned about the paranormal from his countless investigations across the country.
"I'm excited about it," said Christina McWaters, executive director of the New Madrid Chamber of Commerce, of LaChance's visit. "It's always neat to get a new perspective on ghost hunting."
LaChance was featured on Discovery Channel's "A Haunting," which was based on a house he lived in Union.
"He had to pack up and leave and couldn't stay in there. He was a single dad and he was with his kids," McWaters said.
He's also written books, "The Uninvited" and "Crazy," and he's a co-contributor to the film, "Children of the Grave."
"He'll do a presentation and do an actual 'ghost box' session," McWaters said.
A ghost box is a device that scans through radio frequencies and only spirits are supposed to be detected with it, she explained.
There will be a meet and greet as well as a question-and-answer session. LaChance will lead the group in a lengthy investigation of the Dixie.
"We've had things happen that I can't explain," McWaters said. "Here's the deal: if something happens it does. If it doesn't, then it doesn't. ... We've had people get touched and their hair touched."
Over the years, activity has often been detected at the Dixie Theater, McWaters said.
"The Dixie is always really good for us," McWaters said, adding it's a creepy, old theater. "That's the place where I've had grown men run screaming from. I had a lady last year who left in tears she was so scared. ... I had another lady who refuses to go back in that building."
Raymond Taylor of Thebes, Ill., who has attended multiple ghost tours in New Madrid, said he's ready for whatever Friday's ghost hunt has in store for attendees.
"What I like about (ghost hunting tours in New Madrid) is there is typically some degree of activity. I've never been without something happening," Taylor said. "There's enough activity to want to check it out again."
For those who like the Facebook page, "New Madrid Ghost Tours," tickets can be purchased for the reduced price of $35. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 1-877-748-5300 or email at chambernm@yahoo.com.
For the complete story, see Thursday's Standard Democrat or log on to the electronic edition.