Much like a poltergeist outbreak, sometimes the most activity happens on a shorter timeline.
Recurrent spontaneous psychokinesis aside, that’s the idea guiding Lucky Paranormal investigators Gail and Mel Willis as they gear up for their third annual Lake Superior Paranormal Convention this October.
“It really should be two days because we have 12 speakers,” Gail Willis admitted during an early August Zoom call. “Last year was two days and I feel like that was a little too much for our bodies.”
So they’ve shortened the main conference to one day while keeping the paranormal investigation at Fort William Historical Park on October 16 and the old-fashioned Victorian séance to close out the Saturday.
On the docket this year are 12 speakers slotted into 10 hours of conference time: American author Sam Baltrusis, occult expert Michelle Belanger, reiki master Katherine Keeping, Canada’s most prominent psychic medium Mary-Anne Kennedy, animal communicator Angel Morgan, Sasquatch researcher Mike Paterson, Searcher Group member Peter Roe, Paapediban Project lead Jason Susin and the foursome of Artie Martin, Jay Smith, Todd Thomas Sr. and Trevor Thomas from Six Nations Investigating Paranormal Encounters (SNIPE).
The lineup leans heavily into psychic themes. Gail and Mel Willis began researching speakers a week after last year’s paracon ended.
The Victorian séance is what the Willis team is looking forward to most, but they’re also excited about having indoor access to the buildings at Fort William for the first time.
“SNIPE actually got an apparition on camera last year,” Gail said. “They got a picture in the great hall of a woman sitting on a chair.”
“They’ll have staff in each building, so if you have questions about the actual history of the fort in Thunder Bay, you can ask them,” Mel added.
Returning after a two-year hiatus is Lucky Paranormal co-founder Leann Siddo. She’s eager to film and show attendees how much Northern Ontario has to offer for paranormal investigating.
“I am looking forward to sharing experiences and hearing others’ stories,” Siddo wrote in an email. “Being able to provide this for Northern Ontario is such a blessing that I feel to be a part of.”
Given the recent forest fires displacing residents from their homes in Northern Ontario, Lucky Paranormal has been working with local charities to raise funds.
“We’re working on the final touches,” Mel Willis said, which include supporting the Murillo Mutts Respite Refuge. The group helps animals left homeless by the extreme forest fires that hit Thunder Bay this month. Guests can donate at the conference or through guest speaker Morgan’s pet readings.
The Lake Superior Paranormal Convention takes place on October 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Delta Hotel. Tickets are available through their website.