Exceptional southern storytelling comes to life next month at Historic Riverside Cemetery.  Riverside Cemetery and Conservancy’s Spirits in October offers guests a guided walking tour with actors representing spirits of some of Macon’s most fascinating characters. Stroll through the beautiful 132-year old cemetery grounds in Historic Riverside Cemetery on the only historical tour in central Georgia that offers visitors a glimpse into the past, complete with tour guides and costumed actors portraying captivating stories that give a voice to Macon’s earliest settlers, villains and colorful characters.

Tour Riverside’s beautiful 126-year old cemetery grounds and it’s labyrinths of tombs, unique to most in the U.S., and meet Mr. Bob Barnett, gifted musician turned director, whose early days of playing in the Glenn Miller Orchestra paved the way for him to become Director for Central High School’s Sugarbear Band. The Sugarbear Band under the direction of Barnett, went on to perform at Disney’s Magic Kingdom parade a record 23 consecutive years and played for four U.S. Presidents; most notably in 1992 when, then President-elect, Bill Clinton, joined the band during a rally for Senator Wyche that prompted the famous, viral picture taken of Bill Clinton playing saxophone with the band.  See the only historical tour in Central Georgia that offers visitors a rare glimpse of Arthur Motes, owner of Bibb Music, one of Cotton Avenue’s most desirable establishments for performers’ musical needs.  Hear exceptional southern storytelling from Duane Allman, guitarist, session musician, and the co-founder and primary leader of The Allman Brothers Band who after his tragic death, was temporarily interred in the Hart Mausoleum at Riverside Cemetery before being moved to his now final resting place in Rose Hill Cemetery.  Walk amongst the sprawling landscape of evergreens and live oaks that line the final resting place of many other spirits on this tour as they reveal the stories behind their stones.

 “There are over 19,000 people interred at the cemetery and everyone has a story,” said Historic Riverside Cemetery & Conservancy spokesperson Mindy Hart.  “It is a unique way to find Macon’s layers of history. It’s not just the wealthy people interred here, it’s the poor people, the important and not so important people, and if you take them as a whole, you have a mosaic that is Macon.  It is a unique event that offers a reflection on how Macon has grown.  In a way, this tour helps keep the story of Macon alive, and having these performances, reminds us as a city who we were and where we can go.”

Spirits in October is an appropriate tour for all ages and will leave guests and visitors with a greater appreciation of the community, as well as some interesting trivia and history you can share with your friends.  This year, Spirits in October tour dates will run from Thursday, October 17th – Sunday October 20th andFriday, October 25th – Sunday October 27th. Tours begin at 6:00 PM and depart from the Gatehouse every 15 minutes. The cemetery asks that guests arrive 15 minutes prior to their tour time. For guests with limited mobility, a motorized tour is available at 6:00pm only.  A museum shop will have T-shirts, relevant books, gifts and souvenirs. All proceeds benefit the Conservancy.

Ticket prices are $15.00 general admission. Children 5 and under are free.  Please call 478-297-6035 for Group Rates.

Tickets for Spirits in October can be purchased online at https://www.bigtickets.com/events/riversidecemetery/