ST. MARIES, Idaho — A Halloween event in St. Maries that features a spiritual medium is drawing criticism from some religious groups in town. Organizers say the event will go on tonight, starting around 6 p.m.
Joe’s Bar and Grill created the Halloween event. The organizers say the medium visited St. Maries before and received no pushback.
Religious groups in town are concerned about the event, which local businesses are putting on to bring something new to the community. Despite the backlash, organizers say the event is still on for tonight.
Café owner Kelsey Ritchie is participating in the event. She sees it as a fun idea.
“We don’t have movie theaters, we don’t have a bowling alley, we don’t have a shopping mall. It’s pretty much just restaurants and bars that are open at night, and I was just excited that something new was coming,” Ritchie said.
Ritchie says the focus in town shifted over the last few days. Some people have threatened to boycott her business, and others have accused her of “anti-Christian behavior.”
Ritchie said she received an email telling her that if she takes part, the sender and the group they organized will not return as customers.
Pastor Adam Jensen of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church warned his congregation about the event and advised them not to attend.
“It’s not just entertainment. You’re actually engaging in a spiritual practice, a spiritual belief that’s in conflict with what the Word of God says,” Jensen said.
Jensen says he does not condone any threats or disrespect toward the people involved in the event.
Organizers moved the event to an undisclosed location over concerns about a confrontation or protest.
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