A cemetery in central Illinois is embarking on an unusual marketing campaign that includes a 5K race and actors dressing as people buried there.

The goal is to encourage more people to buy lots at Springdale Cemetery, Bob Manning, chairman of the management authority at the Peoria cemetery, told the Journal Star (http://bit.ly/1sYYBdB ). Ten events will be hosted this month in an effort to diversify the appeal of the sprawling East Bluff property, he said....

Actors from the Prairie Folklore Theater kicked off the initiative by portraying people who have been buried in the cemetery since it opened in 1857. Visitors were able to meet the famous locals during walking tours. They have attracted people who probably wouldn't normally visit the cemetery, according to Manning.

The cemetery also held the Ron Santo Walk and 5K to Cure Diabetes earlier this month and is set to hold the Screaming Pumpkin Race next week.