I don’t usually like scary movies…my imagination is way to active for that. I saw The Return of Count Yorga when I was about 10 and I still can’t stand in front of a window at night. It was probably not even a B movie, it was so lame, but it still scared me. So why on earth would I want to walk, much less stroll, through a cemetery? For the Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll of course!

About Maple Hill

Maple Hill is no ordinary cemetery. It’s actually one of the largest in Alabama, coming in at over 100 acres!!  This is huge expansion from it’s original 2 acres when cemetery was established in 1818 from land donated by Leroy Pope. In 1822 it was deeded to the city, and now has around 80,000 people are buried there. 80,000!!! That’s a bit creepy to think about….

So if you have never been in Maple Hill, the Cemetery Stroll is a great way to explore. I am sure you have driven past it at some point if you’ve gone through the 5 Points area. It’s really beautiful.

Not Your Average Ghosts

This is not a ghost tour, though we do have them here in town. The tours, I mean. (And you can read all about Huntsville’s Ghost Tour here) I went to one of these for the first time a few years ago, and my family had to drag me away from there.

About the Stroll

What makes the Cemetery Stroll so interesting is that it’s hosted by dead people. Well, not actual dead people. No zombies, but rather live people dressed up like the dead people dressed would have dressed when they were alive.

And what’s really interesting is that they speak in present tense. I don’t know why this detail is so fascinating to me, but it just is. The costumes are cool, too. You can even ask these folks questions, which makes it a totally interactive way to learn about Huntsville history…but don’t let the educational aspect scare you away! It’s just a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Scavenger Hunt

There’s even a scavenger hunt….uh, I should say “knowledge” hunt…you can click here to download it.

Here are a couple of questions to give you an idea of what’s on there:

• She won a blue ribbon at the Chicago World’s Fair_____________________.
• The legendary ghost of Cedarhurst ___________________

Event Information

Date: Sunday, October 14, 2012
Time: 2-4:30 p.m.
Location: Maple Hill Cemetery
Cost: Free, but donations are accepted and appreciated. The money goes to repairing gravestones that have been damaged by weather and vandals.

Monica Yother

Monica Yother claims to be the last person in Huntsville to buy press-type. That’s how long she’s been a graphic designer. Since 1987 she’s been creating all the usual graphic designer-y stuff like logos, brochures, billboards and websites, and won some nice awards. She’s also an illustrator with a studio at Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment; her work for Huntsville Ballet allows her to showcase her signature style. She writes (a lot!) for clients and her own blog, and holds monthly workshops to help people start blogging. Recently she partnered with her ten-year old daughter to raise money for horse rescue. (Check out myhorsesart.com). She loves her husband, two kids and mini-dachshund. You can visit Monica in the studio at Lowe Mill, (studio 114, first floor which she shares with Love it Out Photography), or online at www.my-designs.net

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