Spirits of the Past walking tour returns to Medina Sept. 4-6

The 29th annual Spirits of the Past walking tour will once again transport visitors to Medina’s earliest days Sept. 4-6, offering an immersive, 60-minute guided experience through the city’s historic Square.

Presented by the Medina County Arts Council, Medina County Historical Society and Medina Show Biz Company, the event combines guided tours with theatrical reenactments that bring to life Medina’s rich history, architecture and heritage. Local actors will step into the roles of the city’s early pioneers, dramatizing real events that helped shape the community.

This year’s portrayals include Zenus Hamilton, Medina’s first settler; Franklin Sylvester, who founded the Medina Library; Cora Munson Blakeslee, one of the city’s earliest independent businesswomen; and Millie Gray, a celebrated bicyclist. Audiences will also see reenactments of the Great Courthouse Robbery and hear stories about the Interurban Railway, which connected Medina to surrounding towns in the early 20th century.

Tours depart every 10 minutes between 7 and 9 p.m. from the rear parking lot of the Medina County Administration Building, 144 N. Broadway St. Groups will travel through the Square, stopping at locations where costumed interpreters share dramatic stories and interact with guests. The experience blends live theater, history and walking tour elements, offering an educational and entertaining evening for history buffs, families and anyone curious about Medina’s past.

Each tour time slot is limited to 20 tickets — 10 available during advance sales and 10 reserved for day-of sales. Advance tickets, priced at $7 for adults and $4 for students (children under 3 are free), can be purchased online at MedinaCountyArtsCouncil.org/spirits-of-the-past from Aug. 20 through Aug. 29 at 5 p.m. In-person sales will also be held on select dates at the McDowell-Phillips House Museum and John Smart House Museum. Day-of tickets will be sold at the event site starting at 6 p.m. each night.

Organizers say the tour’s longevity is a testament to its ability to connect residents and visitors with the people and events that shaped Medina. Proceeds benefit the Medina County Arts Council, Medina County Historical Society and Medina Show Biz Company, helping to preserve history, support community theater and promote the arts.

For more details, including ticket information and a full list of advance sale dates, visit MedinaCountyArtsCouncil.org/spirits-of-the-past.