Six characters from Johnston County’s past will be brought back to life Thursday, October 29th during the 11th annual Ghost Walk in Smithfield’s historic Riverside Cemetery. This unique event, sponsored by the Johnston County Heritage Center begins at 7 pm at the corner of Church and Second streets.
The line-up includes Royal Governor Gabriel Johnston (portrayed by Donald Ross), business tycoon Ashley Horne (portrayed by Jody McLeod), Buddy the child textile worker (portrayed by Jake Roberson), pioneer school administrator Mary Wells (portrayed by Judy Daniels), Tuskegee Airman Hernando Palmer (portrayed by Major Roy C. White), and Hollywood star Ava Gardner (portrayed by Shenan Lee).
“This is a fun educational event for all ages that a lot of people look forward to,” says event chairman Tom Howerton. “It’s a great way for families to learn about interesting personalities from our history.”
Visitors will be given guided tours through the cemetery where they will meet each ghost character. The tour concludes with light refreshments at the Hastings House, a circa 1850 house which served as Confederate headquarters during the Civil War. Admission charge is $3 for adults and $2 for students, payable at the event. No advance tickets will be sold.
For further information, call the Heritage Center at 919-934-2836, or visit the Center’s website atwww.jcheritagecenter.org
