‘The Blob’ takes over town
PHOENXIVILLE » Sixty years after screen icon Steve McQueen saved an entire town from being eaten alive by a giant, red, gelatinousmonster, Blobfest oozed into Phoenixville again. Events ran all weekend long to celebrate Phoenixville’s part in the legendary cult film, “The Blob.”
On Friday night, thousands of people gathered in front of the Colonial Theatre to watch the annual fan-favorite “Run-Out” event. Dressed in 1950s garb, hundreds of participants ran out of the theater, screaming into the streets. The reenactment is a homage to the famous scene in “The Blob” that was filmed at the Colonial Theatre. After the Run-Out, many people attended the popular Blob Ball, hosted by Lulu’s Boutique and Gifterie. Live music, 50s costumes and swing dancing was among the fun at the Blob Ball.
The street fair was held Saturday as dozens of vendor tents were set up outside the Colonial Theatre selling unique wares with a horror or sci-fi twist. Vintage cars, a costume contest, a fire extinguisher parade, live music, danc-
ing, a side-show and face painting were among the activities for people to enjoy.
Inside the newly renovated Colonial Theatre, were several movie screenings and special guests. Kris Yeaworth, son of Irvin “Shorty” Yeaworth, who directed “The Blob,” was on hand to greet fans.
“Growing up in Chester Springs, Phoenixville was the
closest community that had traffic lights and supermarkets. Iwent to church here, two ofmy siblings were born in Phoenixville Hospital and all three of my children were born there. I have a real soft spot for Phoenixville. There’s no doubt the Colonial was the anchor for the renaissance that has happened here,” Yeaworth said.
Made in 1957 and released the following year, The Blob was filmed locally in Chester Springs, Phoenixville and Downingtown. The film’s most recognizable location is the Colonial Theatre, which continues to attract people to Phoenixville.
Each year, Blobfest chooses a theme for the festival. This year, the theme was “Blobwarming” to showcase the theater’s recent expansion.
“Now that we have extra room, we can more comfortably accommodate the large crowds that attend Blobfest,” said Brendan Carr, the Colon ia l’ s marketing director. “Plus, we can offer attendees the chance to enjoy additional movie screenings and other cool events in the new theaters as well as the original auditorium.”
Carr noted Blobfest is a great way to bring people to Phoenixville from all over the region.
“It’s a great community event for a lot of reasons. When locals and out-of-towners flock to Phoenixville this weekend, they bring plenty of foot traffic to businesses along Bridge and Main Streets. When they see a proud community with a thriving downtown, it encourages them to return to Phoenixville. Blobfest also brings
people together from near and far to celebrate on of the most cherished communal activities of all time: going to the movies,” Carr remarked.
Jay Novelli, a filmmaker and movie buff from Tren-
ton, N.J., attends Blobfest every year. This year he purchased a piece of the original Blob monster prop.
“I collect props. Films and movies are the highest piece of art because it’s a collaborative effort. All these artists come together to produce art. The Blob is a classic, iconic film,” Novelli remarked.