arts & entertainment

Indian River County Historical Society and Indian River Hauntings will host a one-of-a-kind dinner and ghost hunt on the property of the historic Hallstrom House. The event will take place on Saturday, October 8th beginning at 7:00 p.m. Thanks to the generosity of Indian River Hauntings owner Larry Lawson, the event will benefit the Indian River County Historical Society.

An “Old Florida” style dinner will be catered courtesy of Marsh Landing from Fellsmere. Dinner and gratuity are included in the cost of the ticket.     

The Hallstrom House property is located at 1701-1723 Old Dixie Highway SW in Vero Beach. The property was a 40-acre pineapple plantation built in 1909 by Swedish immigrant Axel Hallstrom and part of his pineapple plantation.  The property was bequeathed to the Indian River County Historical Society in 1999 by Hallstrom’s daughter Ruth Hallstrom.                    

Paranormal expert Larry Lawson will introduce you to the world of paranormal investigation and research. Following dinner, you will join in an actual paranormal investigation of the Hallstrom House and grounds. Indian River Hauntings offers the opportunity for guests to participate in a paranormal adventure. Taking a hands-on approach by using investigative methods, guests can use equipment to see for themselves what can and cannot be explained.

Lawson is the owner and operator of Indian River Hauntings. He is retired from law enforcement with more than 40 years and has extensive experience in the proper procedures for gathering, preserving and examining evidence from an investigation.  Lawson believes that when investigating paranormal locations and historical structures, it is critical to gather and preserve empirical evidence to support the existence of worlds and entities beyond the norm. Lawson is the founder of Florida Bureau of Paranormal Investigations. 

There are a limited number of tickets available for this event. Cost is $125 per person by advance reservation only.  Should the event be cancelled due to inclement weather, full refunds will be issued to anyone who has made a reservation. Ticket purchase email confirmation will serve as admission to the event. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Indian River County Historical Society.  

For over thirty years, the Indian River County Historical Society has contributed to preserving the historical and environmental resources of Indian River County, the Indian River Lagoon area, and the State of Florida. The Historical Society office is located in the 1903 Vero Beach Railroad Station on 14^th Avenue in historic downtown Vero Beach. In addition to the railroad station property, the organization owns, operates and maintains the 1918 Hallstrom House on Old Dixie Highway. Both of these properties are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and are open to the public. 

For more information, call Mark Holt at 772-713-3242 or go to www.indianriverhauntings.com on tab “Tours & Events” To make a reservation.