Chicago “Days of the Dead” 2015!

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I was on my way to this year’s Days of the Dead Chicago when the first big, fluffy snowflakes appeared. Despite the local news crowing about it all week, I remained in denial until the evidence was sticking to my windshield and hindering my traffic time. Part of me was hopeful the bad weather meant dealing with fewer crowds at the event but those dreams were soon dashed after I arrived at the Marriott Hotel in Schaumburg and was immediately directed to a guest overflow parking garage. Never underestimate the devotion of a horror fan; not only does it defy the elements but remains strong even after Halloween.

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“The Illustrated History Of Don Post Studios” Deluxe Edition!

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A year ago I did a review of this massive book (seen HERE), a loving tribute to perhaps the greatest Halloween mask company of all time. I couldn’t say enough good things about that book and now, with the release of the Deluxe Edition, I am back to say “Buy this book!”

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Advertisement used for the 800 line of masks. Picture provided by Lee Lambert and used with permission.

Author Lee Lambert is a monster kid like all of us. He grew up watching monster movies and reading Famous Monsters Magazine, just like I did and fell in love with Don Post Studios masks thanks to the ads in the back of said magazine. He took his lifelong love and ran with it and the results are this amazing book.

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Celebrating Mexico’s “Day of the Dead” in Elgin!

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While the weather in Chicago was pretty horrendous on Halloween, the following day was an entirely different story. In fact, it was almost sunny enough to offset the whole “Halloween is over” depression many of us horror/monster fans go through every November 1st.  The weekend, however, wasn’t over yet…

Just the week before I’d been up in Elgin, Illinois to celebrate their amazing Nightmare on Chicago Street event.  While I was there, I’d been alerted to more upcoming festivals taking place and reminded why it’s fast becoming my favorite city! One is Krampuslauf taking place in December which recreates a Northern European festival celebrating Krampus; a more sinister version of Santa Claus. Continue reading →

The Roe Conn Halloween Show with Svengoolie!

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Photo by Jim Roche

Photo by Jim Roche

During a recent Svengoolie appearance I covered at Pinball Life, I mentioned that one of the benefits of stalking the national commercial TV horror host was being introduced to new venues and activities I’d of never experienced otherwise. Attending the Roe Conn Halloween special on Thursday October 29th was a prime example! For those lucky enough to gain access, you’d be treated to a live taping of  WGN’s Roe Conn Show at a beautiful suburban venue. But first one had to apply for a ticket.

About a month before the big day I logged on to the WGN Radio site to apply for a pass. Although they were free, they were granted on a random and limited basis making it the luck of the draw. After a few weeks of silence I assumed it wasn’t meant to be until just days before the event when I finally received word I’d been chosen. Along with acceptance came instructions on where and when it would take place and what to do once I got there.

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BOOK REVIEW: Pete Von Sholly’s History Of Monsters

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Monsters. Those things that as a child scared us, gave us nightmares and provided us with so many hours of fun. If you were like me you grew up on monsters. I was never into playing (or watching for that matter) sports of any kind. My Saturday afternoons were spent in front of the television trying to draw in with rabbit ears channel 56 out of Boston, Massachusetts, with their weekly Creature Double Feature show. In the safety of daylight I was thrilled week after week with giant bugs, Godzilla and all of the Universal and Hammer classics.

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THE JACK-O-LANTERN SPECTACULAR PROVES ONCE AGAIN THAT IT IS THE PLACE TO BE EACH OCTOBER!

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Another Halloween season has come and gone and as we approach the Christmas season, it is never too late to reflect on Halloween and all of the fun that was had. Each year, Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island, presents an amazing show featuring over 5,000 carved pumpkins. Money raised for this event helps the zoo on so many levels and I am happy to report that this year’s show broke all attendance records, including the largest Halloween night ever, a night usually slow as most people are out with their kids trick-or-treating. Here I present to you a series of pics taken on the last night of the 2015 season. Enjoy!

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