Controversy Surrounding Edmond's Cemetery Tour

An Edmond woman said she's not alone in her disgust with a city-sponsored cemetery tour this Saturday and next Saturday at Gracelawn Cemetery. 

Last year, it was called the Gracelawn Ghost Tour. This year, they've dropped the word “ghost” from the event. The City said the tour is an educational tour, celebrating the lives of some of Edmond's “founding fathers” who are buried at the cemetery. 

Several of D'Lacey Hodges' ancestors are buried at Gracelawn. She said the tour is inappropriate. 

“I was taught this is a place of respect, and you come to pay your respects to the deceased, and not use it for entertainment,” she said Monday. 

City Spokesman Casey Moore said the Gracelawn Tour is not disrespectful or harmful to the dead or their families. 

“In fact, it's even been moved up in the evening where it's not late at night, and it's been moved away from Halloween,” he said. 

The event will have a $7 ticket charge. Money raised Moore says goes towards replacing historic plaques around downtown Edmond.