Victorian Era recaptured in Ghost Walk

“Spooky yet enjoyable” is how organizers describe their Carson City Ghost Walk Festival of the Spirits, set for Oct. 20.Folks going on the 2012 fall Ghost Walk will trek to such well known Nevada capital community spots as Bliss Mansion, Ferris Mansion, Rinckel Mansion and the Brewery Arts Center. Those participating will meet lingering spirits of the past, say organizers, portrayed by people in period costume. Those “spirits” will spin haunting stories and paranormal tales of Carson City lore. Some of these era-inspired “spirits” even lead the guided walking tours of the downtown historic district.The walk, in its 19th year, will take place rain or shine 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 20. The 90-minute treks begin each half hour from 3rd and Curry streets near the Firkin & Fox Pub.That bar/restaurant is among the fall walk’s 2012 sponsors, with others the Bruka Theatre, the Brewery Arts Center and the Carson City Convention & Visitors Bureau.Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 the day of the event, with children age 4 or younger free. Tickets are available via www.carsoncityghostwalk.com, www.brownpapertickets.com/event/279433, from Firkin and Fox at 310 S. Carson St., or the Visitors Center at 1900 S. Carson St.The Ghost Walk is billed as supernatural entertainment and historical folly, with the stops mentioned boasting these following highlights.• Bliss Mansion: Built by Duane Bliss, the 8,500-square-foot, three-story home was finished in 1879 and is an example of the Victorian Era in Italianate style. The 15-room structure was the largest and most elaborate in Nevada then.• Ferris Mansion: This was the home built by the father of George Ferris Jr., whose Ferris Wheel dominated many conversations and heightened experiences at the 1893 Chicago World Columbian Exposition.• Rinckel Mansion: This was built by Mathias Rinckel; ghost walk organizers say he was a forward-looking meat magnate who struck it rich while supplying those in the Gold Rush and Lake Tahoe lumbermen.• Brewery Arts Center: This was built by the Carson Brewing Co. in 1874, was the site of Tahoe Beer production and later became a focal point of the arts center complex in modern Carson City.