Horror fans flock to Frightmare
Proximity to Halloween adds a twist to this year’s event dedicated to scary movies
For Niagara’s horror buffs, it was like a bonus Halloween before the actual Halloween.
Fans in costume descended on Scotiabank Convention Centre for the second annual Frightmare in the Falls over the weekend, meeting many of the stars and creators who gave them nightmares as kids. And thanking them for it.
Creators like Tommy Lee Wallace, who directed the “It” miniseries for TV and appeared in one scene as Michael Myers in the original “Halloween” (1978). He also created the killer’s iconic mask, and directed the cult classic “Halloween III: Season of the Witch.”
“I love coming to Canada,” he said. “Great horror fans.
“The fans are so knowledgeable. They know so much more about these movies than we do, most of the time. They read every interview by everybody that worked on the movie. It’s amazing.”
Other guests at the two-day convention included “Creepshow” and “The Fog” star Adrienne Barbeau, makeup effects legend Tom Savini, “Hellraiser” icon Doug Bradley and wrestling legend Bret (The Hitman) Hart.
The event is from the same team behind the Niagara Falls Comic Con.
Co-founder Chris Dabrowski, elected to city council last week, expected between 5,000 to 7,000 people to attend. Unlike last year, the Frightmare was held before Halloween, adding to the atmosphere.
While there’s always a horror element to Comic Con (the Falls Horror Fest), the genre was big enough to warrant its own show, he said.
“Horror fans are very loyal, they’re fanatical, and I think the show deserved an event of its own.”
The show featured 60 vendors selling such things as vintage T-shirts and rare collectibles. Movie displays included the Green Goblin head from “Maximum Overdrive” and a recreation of Jason’s ‘kill shack’ from “Friday the 13th Part 2.”
Fans roamed the floor in several colourful and grisly costumes. While there were plenty of Jason and Leatherfaces, some ventured out in elaborate garb as Pyramid Head from “Silent Hill” and Pennywise the Clown from “It.”
“Horror fans are very dedicated, they come from far and wide,” said co-founder James Ponce. “It’s cool to bring in genre icons that maybe you don’t see as much at a comic con, such as Adrienne Barbeau or Tommy
Lee Wallace.
“I actually don’t think it’s a niche, it’s its own brand of culture that anyone can experience. There’s kids here too having fun. Everyone likes to be scared, especially this time of year.”
John.Law@niagaradailies.com 905-225-1644 | @JohnLawMedia