Paracon event coming to haunted Ballinger hotel with celebrities, paranormal talks

The 2024 West-Tex Paracon event is coming to Ballinger for two days with celebrities and paranormal talks.

The event is April 12 and April 13 in Ballinger at the Old Town Old Times venue, as well as the Circa 1886 Olde Park Hotel and 1925 Old Runnels Jail buildings.

There will be movie and television celebrities, including Chad Lindberg, who played Jesse in the original "The Fast and the Furious" movie with Vin Diesel and Paul Walker.

"He is looking to say hi and meet everyone who comes out," Dan LaFave, owner of the Olde Park Hotel said

Heather Taddy who is best known for her work as investigator and documentarian on A&E's series "Paranormal State," will be in attendance as well.

The celebrities will be leading ghost hunts in the two buildings mentioned above.

The Circa 1886 Olde Park Hotel building has been previously featured on Travel Channel, Peacock, TV shows including "Fright Club" with Jack Osbourne and "The Ghost Brothers" and "Death Walker" with Nick Groff.

There will also be several speaking guests who will be discussing and presenting paranormal topics.

"We also have great vendors, including The Real West Texas Ghostbusters who will be at the Paracon to take pictures on Saturday, as well as the Concho Cowboy Co. doing Old West gunfight stories and reenactments," LaFave said.

There will be a special steak dinner meet and greet on Friday.

"Events like this within the San Angelo area do not always take place where people can come meet great celebrities and speakers," LaFave said. "Our aim is to have fun, and we are hoping that a lot of families will come out for something a little different for the area."

There is free general admission for children 12 and under. Children 13-16 years old are $10 for general admission. The adult one-day pass general admission is $18, and a two day general admission pass is $30.

See the full schedule and details on the Paracon event's Facebook page. Tickets can be purchased online at Event Brite.

LaFave said they are also seeking any additional vendors who may want to join for $50 for an outdoor booth for two days and $75 for an indoor booth for two days. Contact LaFave at dan.lafave@yahoo.com.