By RYLEE BURD
Tiger Media Network
Hays Community Theatre welcomed crowds of history and ghost enthusiasts this past weekend with its Haunted Hays City Historic Tours, giving visitors a mix of local legend, spooky storytelling, and immersive fun. While the immersive Rocky Horror Picture Show was canceled this year, the haunted tours delivered plenty of thrills for attendees.
Pamela Grizzell, who writes and produces the Haunted Tours each year, shared insight into the experience.
“The tours are designed to combine spooky entertainment with historical storytelling,” she said. “We want guests to enjoy a little scare but also walk away with a sense of Hays’ history and its local legends.”
A highlight of the tours was Wendy Richmeier’s portrayal of The Blue Light Lady, a character who has captivated audiences for years.
“She is the only ghost on the tour,” Grizzell said. “We don’t introduce her as Elizabeth Polly, but she’s become a legend in Hays. There’s a lot of speculation about whether she joined her husband while stationed at the fort. Her story first circulated in the mid-70s, and while some believe it might have been a ruse by a Fort Hays professor, 99% of Hays residents are believers — Wendy included.”
Visitors explored multiple stops throughout Hays, each blending historical fact with local legends. Grizzell noted that the selection of stories and characters is carefully planned.
“We choose stories that are engaging and tied to the community, giving people a memorable experience that’s both entertaining and educational,” she said.
Behind the scenes, volunteers played a crucial role in bringing the event to life. From guiding guests to assisting actors, the community’s involvement made the tours possible. Grizzell said that new elements were added this year to keep the experience fresh for returning guests, though she kept the details under wraps to preserve the mystery.
Attendees enjoyed the combination of storytelling, history, and immersive performances.
“It was such a unique experience,” FHSU student Emma Clarke said. “Everyone was laughing, taking pictures, and really enjoying the stories — and it was all for a great cause.”
Though the Rocky Horror Picture Show did not take place this year, the success of the Haunted Tours highlighted the community’s support for Hays Community Theatre and its mission.
“We hope visitors left with more than just a good scare,” Grizzell said. “We want them to connect with the stories and the history of Hays. This event is really about bringing the community together and keeping our local heritage alive.”