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Going to a horror film convention is much more fun than reading about one. But, perhaps, we can kind of combine the both for your elucidation and enjoyment. So, sit back, relax, and watch carefully as we present you these...
Text by JOE "RENFIELD" MEADOWS; photos by CHAD "GHOUL" GOULD The 2002 Monster Bash that took place in Butler, PA, on June 21, 2002, was a smash--again! With "ghast" stars like Christ Costello, Ben Chapman, Caroline Munro, Cortlandt Hull, and Bob Burns, it could hardly miss! And the theme of "Abbott and Costello Meet the Monster Bash" guaranteed a entertaining mix of horror and comedy. But that's not the whole story, boil and ghouls.
One of the best things about the annual Monster Bashes is the relaxed atmosphere and the emphasis on fun. Both attendees and "ghasts" were free to walk the scary halls of the Bash, meetings and greeting each other. And lots of fright film fans had the time of their lives just enjoying the many films and special events offered at the Bash. Yes, laid back, casual, and fun...that's the Monster Bash. But it's probably best to show some scenes from the crime to give you an idea of what it was like to attend the latest Bash.
Many attendees arrived early for the Bash, on Friday afternoon, June 21st. They knew that a lot of ghastly stuff was brewing and they were "dying" to get in...
Once inside, they were greeted by the usual Monster Bash staff. They were advised to abandon all hope...and to get ready for frights, fun, and frolic.
Yes, there were a few attendees that could be fairly described as "weird." But, fortunately, the Bash was filled with most normal, run-of-the-mill monster films fans like these two above.
Of course, a big part of the Monster Bash was meeting and getting to actually talk to and get to know the "ghasts" of honor. Here, Ben "Creature From The Black Lagoon" Chapman explains the art of wearing a hot rubber Gill Man suit and still keeping one's cool around lovely costars like Julie Adams.
At the Monster Bash, everyone is so helpful and friendly. Here, the baggage handler is most solicitous about an attendee's missing luggage. The attendee was, in turn, most understanding. Service at the Bash was something to howl about!
You just never know what may happen to you at the Monster Bash. Here, an attendee was in search for a shave and a haircut and instead he was transformed into the Frankenstein Monster. All his friends said it was a distinct improvement and it didn't cost him a dime, except for the fee required by the Brain Depository.
There were a lot of creepy cool displays at the Bash, and attendees were treated to a virtual smorgasbord of scary film memorabilia. Here, we see that many heads are far batter than one.
Of course, the Monster Bash wasn't just viewing displays and meeting "ghasts" and enjoying classic horror films and avoiding sunlight...many attendees buckled down to the serious business of buying as many horror film goodies from the vendors as their credit cards would allow. And they met notables like Tom Savini and Caroline Munro in the dealer rooms while doing so. (Those two did a little shopping, too!)
Some folks just had to dance with joy at the Bash. Here, Bud and Lou and their pal, Drac, do a little soft shoe while waiting for the lab equipment to warm up. Seems Drac had a new way for Bud to increase his intelligence without even having to go to night school!
As mentioned before, watching classic horror movies is a big part of the Monster Bash's appeal. Sometimes, the frights on the screen are so real, they leap put at you! These attendees found that out when they watched The Creature From The Black Lagoon in 3-D, courtesy of old Renfield and HORROR-WOOD.
Well, all things had to come to an end, even the Monster Bash. But the attendees were away horrified and happy and the folks who put on the Bash folded up their terror tent, tired and satisfied with the knowledge that they had put a little fun and fright into so many lives. Maybe you'll join us next year and find out what the screaming is all about! Indeed, many monster film fans have never been to a monster film convention. For them, the Monster Bash is a good place to start. For all you "veteran" Con-goers--come on in...the quicksand's fine! Article copyright © Joe "Renfield" Meadows |
