By Jason Klaiber

Staff Writer

The Manlius Historical Society remains on the lookout for people interested in taking part in its first-ever Share and Scare Luncheon, to be held sometime in October.

Members of the historical society are hoping to reel in any takers willing to share scary stories, whether that means encounters with ghosts, visits to haunted houses or anything of the sort.

Linda Limpert, the vice president of the historical society’s board of directors, said she suggests these stories draw from attendees’ personal experiences or relay the supernatural experiences of others.

However, Limpert said that as long as the plot could reasonably be considered scary or Halloween-related, any stories would do, even if they’re creative writing pieces or famous tales from authors like Edgar Allan Poe.

“There are ghost stories written about every single state in the union,” Limpert said. “Everybody has stories to tell. We’re just trying to shake them loose.”

She said the historical society will gauge whether or not to put on the community event based on the number of people planning to attend, adding that even a small gathering of people would suffice.

“We can make it as big or as little as need be,” Limpert said.

She said the luncheon would be held at the society’s research and record-keeping site, the Cheney House, at 109 Pleasant St. and would feature free food like soup, bread and pumpkin cookies.

Attendees are encouraged to make their own “scary treats” to share as well.

A discussion of the historical society’s October book club choice “Shades of Souls Passed: True Accounts of Ghostly Encounters in Madison County, New York” by Teresa R. Andrews will also take place at the event. 

Individuals looking to attend can reach out to Linda Limpert at [email protected] or call the Manlius Historical Society at 315-682-6660.

The date of the Share and Scare Luncheon will be determined in response to the interest shown and the availability of the participants.