Review by David Rupp
Like an underrated fighter, Scarefest came upon us with no real expectations, we just hopes for a show that didn't utterly bomb. That it definitely did NOT do, it came out of the box swinging, knocking us to the mat, seeing stars (literally) and got right up in our face and asked if we wanted more! Of course, we do.
Scarefest 08 was headed by Patti Starr, a paranormal investigator who owns Ghost Chasers International, based in Lexington, KY And Jeff Waldridge, a member of Ghost Chasers and a Law Enforcement Officer. They had a wonderful, helpful and organized staff throughout the show. I wish to thank you all so much.
This was a slightly different event in the sense that they had 3 major elements combining to make this special. Horror celebrities, vendors, which is the norm but into this equation they added paranormal guests of all kinds. The celebrity list was impressive as well for a first show, with the horror roster boasting the likes of Sid Haig, Bill Moseley, Kane Hodder, Tony Todd, PJ Soles, Tom Towles, Michael Berryman, Ari Lehman, Tom Savini, Harry Manfredini, Deadpit.com, ZP Internationals George Bonilla and many more. On the paranormal side we had, Patti Starr, Chip Coffey, John Zaffis, Shannon Sylvia, Carmen Red, Jeffrey Scott Holland and others.
This show had other great aspects, the VIP party with a dessert table to die for and karaoke, a blood drive, ghost walks, a haunted house, midnight screenings (Friday the 13th on 35mm), seminars, panels, regular screenings and the presence of Paramount doing some filming. I have to say I had a blast.
In conclusion, this was well planned, well promoted, well staffed and executed. The convention floor was HUGE, there was room to pass 4 or 5 people wide and believe me the crowds were big. The layout was planned well also, where you had to work your way through the vendors and film makers to get to celebrity row. Ant the going rate for an autographed 8 by 10 was 20 bucks, that seems to be s steady trend, at least they weren't going crazy with 30 - 40 dollar signings. Not to speak ill of other shows in the bluegrass but this is an up and comer to keep your eyes on, I thoroughly look forward to being there next year, see you then. 10/10