Well, the first day of the Flashback Weekend Horror Convention is in the books, and it was a great one! Below are a few highlights from Day One.
Greeting Guests at O’Hare Airport
I have been a part of this wonderful convention for 22 years now, and I help out in any way possible. This year, I did my part by going to the airport to greet & welcome the celebrity guests to Chicago.
It was mostly fun (except for delays and IT problems at the airport) and quite rewarding to chat with the celebrities, get to know them, and prepare for Q&A panels and more.
We welcomed Don Coscarelli, Michael Gross, Cerina Vincent, Jordan Ladd, Keith David, David Clennon, Peter Maloney, Thomas Waites, Adrienne Barbeau, Tom Atkins, Stacey Nelkin, Nancy Stephens, Alan Howarth, Michael Beck, Terry Michos, David Harris, Brett Wagner, and Quinn Lord.
They were all wonderful and kind, and happy to be in Chicago. I was particularly thrilled to see one of my favorite people, Adrienne Barbeau (she also said that I was cute….so, that was pretty amazing.)
Don Coscarelli
Met up with my old friend Don Coscarelli, and stopped by to see the incredible 1971 Hemi Cuda from his film “Phantasm II,” a car that made me want to renew my license immediately.
“Halloween” Guests Nick Castle and Nancy Stephens
A terrific episode of Patrick Bromley’s “F THIS MOVIE” podcast was recorded in the Q&A Room with special guests from the “Halloween” universe Nick Castle and Nancy Stephens.
Rohan Campbell
Campbell is outstanding in “Halloween Ends” as Corey Cunningham, and he was delighted to see that-I was wearing a t-shirt OF him, talk about the movie, and make plans to hang out over the weekend. I liked him immediately because he was wearing a Pixies t-shirt.
Cabin Fever Reunion
Steve Prokopy moderated a great “Cabin Fever Reunion” Q&A panel with the cast of the movie and writer/director Eli Roth. Smart, funny, informed work, and a very satisfying panel discussion.
“The Warriors” party at Ventana’s
Many people came dressed as their favorite characters from the classic movie. Tons of people drank, danced and had a blast…all while enjoying a playlist of songs that I put together!
The 45th Anniversary Celebration of Rich Koz as Svengoolie!
The true highlight of the day!
We enjoyed a few surprise visits from celebrity guests who also happen to be big fans of Sven: Jordan Ladd, Ted Raimi, and Tom Atkins.
It was sweet, nostalgic, entertaining and unbelievably funny. And it was a massive pleasure to share the stage with a legend and entertain the great crowd.
So, that was day 1, and it was a great one. And Julie got to meet Sven, which made....her....day.
For more great pictures, check out the Flashback Weekend Facebook page.
Day 2 (schedule here) will even be better with even greater with more Q&As, movie screenings, cool celebrity photo-ops, exclusive parties, the Sinister Visions Costume Contest (hosted by Svengoolie), AND, a LIVE edition of The Nick D Podcast at 12:30pm with special guest Don Coscarelli!
I hope to see you this weekend to share in the fun!
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