The Illinois Metaphysical and Paranormal Society will host a meet and greet Saturday at the Charleston Moose Lodge, followed by a Haunted Coles County tour.

Co-founder of I.M.P.S., Becky Guymon, said after the meet and greet the Society will begin its Haunted Coles County tour guided by Michael Kleen, author of Tales of Coles County.

Beginning at 2 p.m., the tour will make stops at Bethel “Ragdoll” Cemetery, Lafler-Ennis Cemetery, St. Omer Cemetery, Ashmore Estates, an outside look at Pemberton Hall and Airtight Bridge.

Although their profession has become more popular in recent years, Guymon said she believes it is still important to host events such as this to raise awareness of the work they do.

“With the recent popularity of shows like “Ghost Hunters” and “Ghost Adventures,” there has been more of a widespread acceptance of what we do,” she said.

Guymon said she believes these events also help people become more acquainted with those involved in paranormal investigation.

“I think that this type of event allows people to come out and meet those involved in this field and see that we are just everyday, ordinary people like them,” she said.

Guymon explained that the goal of I.M.P.S. is to provide free and confidential investigations of paranormal activity to the community.

“Our goal is to go in and seek a logical explanation for the events that are occurring around them and help put their minds at ease,” she said.

Guymon also explained that the group seeks to make the community more aware of paranormal and metaphysical realms through education, something she said they hope to accomplish at Saturday’s event.

Guymon said there will be local paranormal teams at the event to answer questions about the paranormal.

In addition to guiding the tour, Kleen will also be selling copies of his book, as well as taking pictures and signing autographs.

Guymon said other activities will include tarot card readings, crystal stone readings and metaphysical vendors.

Guymon said beside these activities, the I.M.P.S. and the Champaign Illinois Paranormal Society are holding raffles to raise money for Paranormal Kicks Cancer, an event hosted by paranormal teams across the nation to raise money for The American Cancer Society.

“There will be a variety of prizes raffled off, as well as many items available for purchase with all proceeds going to Paranormal Kicks Cancer,” she said.

Guymon said she hopes to be able to hold events in the future, as well as classes on paranormal, metaphysical and genealogy.

The Paranormal Meet and Greet will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Charleston Moose Lodge at 615 7th St.

Ethan Stephenson can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].