Celebrity Guests this year range from the modern to the classic. In addition to our very own pop culture expert, Aaron Sagers, here’s a taste of who else you’ll get to meet...
Ace Frehley- Yes THAT Ace Frehley of KISS!
Greg “The Hammer” Valentine- WWE Hall of Famer
Linda Blair- Legendary star of “The Exorcist!” Wear a poncho in case she’s had pea soup for lunch!
Ernie Hudson- Who ya gonna call? Meet one of the “Ghostbusters!”
Tony Todd- Just don’t say his name five times! Candyman will get you!
Kylie Szymanski- This young star play “Penny” (The Governor’s Daughter) in last season’s “The Walking Dead.”
Jason Hawes, Dustin Pari and Britt Griffith- Stars of Syfy’s “Ghost Hunters.”
Deep Roy- Star of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “Star Wars,” and “Flash Gordon.”
Naomi Grossman- If you’re a fan of “American Horror Story: Asylum,” you’ll recognize her as “Pepper.” She’s also been on Season One of “Destination Truth” and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch.”
Margot Kidder- LOIS LANE! This star of the “Amityville Horror” and “Superman” can’t wait to meet you!
Scout Taylor-Compton- Star of Rob Zombie’s remakes of “Halloween” and “Halloween II.”
Marilyn Burns- Star of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and “Eaten Alive.”
Linnea Quigley- One of the original Scream Queens! Star of “Return of the Living Dead,” “Silent Night Deadly Night” and “Night of the Demons.”
Jake Busey- He has a famous dad but he’s also starred in “Starship Troopers” and “The Frighteners”
Priscilla Barnes- Yes she was “Terri” on “Three’s Company” but she’s been in some awesome horror flicks like “The Devil’s Rejects.”
Sean Whalen- Star of “Fright Night,” “The People Under the Stairs” and “Men in Black.”
Sara Karloff- Her dad was Boris Karloff! Enough said.
Butch Patrick- EDDIE MUNSTER!
Reunion of “The Blair Witch Project” stars Michael C. Williams and Heather Donahue
Reunion of “Human Centipede” stars Ashlynn Yennie and Ashley C. Williams
“Mystery Science Theater 3000” -”Mads” reunion with Trace Beaulieu and Frank Conniff
There are several more artists attending so go here for the complete list.
SESSIONS AND PANELS
Panels are hot and get crowded really quickly so if you’re interested in attending, get there early so you’re ensured seating.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
Intro to SCARE-A-CON
3:00pm – 4:00pm – Cypress Room C – Introductory presentation for first-time SCARE-A-CON attendees
History of Horror Films
4:00pm – 5:30pm – Cypress Room C – How did this most consistent and fascinating film genre start and develop over the years, with: David Skal
Intro to SCARE-A-CON Psychic Fair
4:00pm – 5:00pm –Cypress Room D – What’s going on across the street at the SCARE-A-CON Psychic Fair, with: Bob Canino
Indie Film Making – How It’s Done
4:00pm – 5:30pm – Cypress Room E – Learn from, and chat with people who have done it successfully, with: Ron Bonk, Doug Brode, and Mara Katria
ABCs of Comic Book Collecting
4:00pm – 5:30pm – Briar Room – Thinking about starting a collection, or have information to share with those how want to? With: TBD
Horror/Sci-Fi Film/TV Heroines A
4:30pm – 6:00pm – Main Stage – Q&A and discussion with some of the genre’s most talented and recognizable ladies in horror/sci-fi, with: Kim Poirier, Naomi Grossman, Ashley C. Williams, & Ashlynn Yennie
UFOs in the Northeast
5:00pm – 6:00pm – Cypress Room D – Unexplained sightings in the sky are not limited to Area 51, or Phoenix. Listen to reports of sightings and other UFO-related information that has been reported in central New York and the Northeast, with: Bob Canino
Friday night ‘MAGIC’ (Gaming – $10 entry fee, no card needed) – presented by Play the Game Read the Story
5:00pm – ? – PTGRTS Booth - Magic Core Set 2014 booster draft. First and second place each receive an exclusive FNM promo card. Two random winners will receive an exclusive FNM promo card. Booster pack prizes to top finishers based on attendance. Minimum required attendance: 4 players.
Found Footage Style Horror
5:30pm – 7:00pm – Cypress Room C – One of the most successful styles of horror in recent years. Talk with two actresses who have been involved in successful found footage films, with: Heather Donahue and Erin Marie Hogan
The C2D2 Haunting – The story behind “Please, Talk with Me”
5:30pm – 7:00pm – Cypress Room E – Premiering at SCARE-A-CON 2012, Please Talk with Me has received international attention for both its quality as a film, and for the story that inspired its making. Learn more about the events that led to the making of this movie, with: Chris Di Cesare
Self-Publishing – An Author’s Guidance
5:30pm – 7:00pm – Briar Room – Have you considered self-publishing something you have authored? Learn from a successful self-publisher, with: Joanne Padgett
The Karloff Legacy
6:00pm – 7:00pm – Cypress Room D – Few names are as synonymous with horror as is the name Karloff. Learn more about this iconic horror actor, with: Sara Karloff
Ernie Hudson Q&A
6:00pm – 7:00pm – Main Stage – Q&A session with Ghost Busters star Ernie Hudson
The Walking Dead Experience
7:00pm – 8:00pm – Cypress Room C – Having taken the TV world by storm ,The Walking Dead continues to enjoy tremendous popularity. Join this Q&A session with Walking Dead cast member Kylie Szymanski
Priscilla Barnes Q&A
7:00pm – 8:00pm – Cypress Room D – From "Three’s Company" to "The Devil’s Rejects," learn more about this multi-faceted actress during this Q&A session
Ghost Hunters Panel
7:00pm – 8:30pm – Main Stage – In its ninth season on SyFy, Ghost Hunters has changed the way the world looks at the paranormal. Use this chance to ask the questions, and learn more about the TV show, with: Britt Griffith, Jason Hawes, and others
What is Steampunk
7:00pm – 8:30pm – Briar Room – What if steam power has made the internal combustion engine unnecessary? An examination of the definition and popularity of this world, with: TEOS
The Best/Worst Horror/Sci-fi Films of All-time
8:00pm – 9:00pm – Cypress Room C – A frank discussion about the best horror/sci-fi films, the worst horror/sci-fi films and everything in-between, with: JV Johnson, Trace Beaulieu, Romeo Azar, and David Skal
Kathleen Kinmont Q&A
8:00pm – 9:00pm – Cypress Room D – Having enjoyed success at a young age, learn more from this versatile actress
World Premiere – Prescott Place starring Alexis Iacono, and House Guest starring Alex Vincent
7:00pm – 9:00pm – Main Stage
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
Free Board Game Play - Sponsored by Play the Game Read the Story
11:00am – 7:00pm – PTGRTS Booth - Come try out games you don’t normally see on the shelf in big box stores. Learn some new games or play an old favorite! We’ll have plenty on hand for you to try from our free game library
Scout Taylor-Compton Q&A
11:00am – 12:00pm – Cypress Room D – Present your questions to Scout in this special Q&A session
Paranormal Cousins: Growing Up Invetigating
11:00am – 12:00pm – Cypress Room E – What’s it like growing up in the midst of paranormal activity, and how does that lead you to the quest for answers? Join these R.I.P. founders as they discuss what they experienced, and how they use that knowledge in their investigations today, with: Dr. David De Prospero & Pete Leonard
Linda Blair Q&A
11:00am – 12:00pm – Main Stage – Let the questioning begin with this icon of horror
Classic Monster/Sci-fi Movies
12:00pm – 1:00pm – Cypress Room C – Some of the most treasured horror/sci-fi films were made before many of us were born. Discuss these classics, with: Doug Brode, Romeo Azar, and David Skal
The Human Centipede Reunion Panel
12:00pm – 1:00pm – Cypress Room D – This film has left an uncomfortable mark in the minds of everyone who has seen it. Join the two female leads from the film and get their take in this Q&A, with: Ashlynn Yenni &; Ashley C. Williams
Britt Griffith Presents Para 101
12:00pm – 1:30pm – Cypress Room E – Learn what makes the paranormal investigative world tick with Ghost Hunters star Britt Griffith. Some basics, and real-life examples complete this presentation, with: Britt Griffith
Tony Todd Q&A
12:00pm – 1:00pm – Main Stage – The Candyman is in the house, ask your questions
Play the Game Read the Story Magic Mini Masters ($10 entry – no cards needed)
12:00pm – PTGRTS Booth – There will be 3 rounds of play. Each player will receive a new booster pack of Magic Core Set 2014 each round to blindly shuffle with 3 of each basic land and play 1 game of Magic. All players move on through all 3 rounds regardless of winning or losing. There will be random door prizes and a prize for the winner!
Horror TV
1:00pm – 2:30pm – Cypress Room C – Horror has taken on many forms on the small screen, some of the more notable efforts are The Addams Family, and The Munsters, and the more recent American Horror Story – join cast members from each as they take your questions and discuss their shows and their roles, with: Lisa Loring, Butch Patrick, Felix Silla & Naomi Grossman
Lisa Marie Q&A
1:00pm- 2:00pm – Cypress Room D – A mainstay in many of Tim Burton’s films including Ed Wood and Mars Attacks!, ask Lisa the questions that have been on your mind all this time
Jake Busey Q&A
2:00pm – 3:00pm – Cypress Room D – With a well-known celebrity Dad, and a list of credits to himself, Jake takes your questions
Paranormal Groups and Investigations
2:00pm – 3:30pm – Cypress Room E – Presentation and Q&A with leaders and organizers of noted paranormal groups focusing on working with a group, or alone to achieve the best possible results, with: John Brightman (N.E.P.R.) , Scott Clark (Paracuse), Dr. David De Prospero (R.I.P) and Pete Leonard (R.I.P.)
TEOS Steampunk Fashion Show
2:00pm – 3:30pm – Main Stage – Steampunk. What is behind this increasingly popular COSPlay trend? Learn more about Steampunk and see some of the lastest Steampunk fashions during this presentation by the local group – Temporal Entities of Syracuse
The Blair Witch Project Reunion Q&A
2:30pm – 4:00pm – Cypress Room C – A landmark horror film introducing found footage style film making to the masses. Join two of the cast members as they share their experience in making this film while taking your questions, with: Heather Donahue & Michael C. Williams
Making the transition from non-horror, to horror
3:00pm- 4:00pm – Cypress Room D – Many actors have gotten their start in horror films, during this Q&A we hear from two that have made the transition into horror films, with: Priscilla Barnes, and Monique Parent
Deep Roy Q&A
3:30pm – 4:30pm – Cypress Room E – You’ve seen him something, probably a lot of somethings, learn from this prolific film star during this Q&A session
Mystery Science Theater 3000 “Mads” Reunion Panel
4:00pm – 5:30pm – Cypress Room C – The cult classic TV show MST3K is still enjoyed by millions of fans. For good reason. Hear all about it, with: Trace Beaulieu and Frank Conniff
Halloween: Being Part of one of the most successful horror franchises
4:00pm – 5:30PM – Cypress Room D – Since the debut of the original in 1978, John Carpenter’s simple but terrorizing tale of Michael Myers has seen many sequels and many versions. Hear from some who have been involved, with: Scout Taylor-Compton and Kathleen Kinmont
Steampunk: How-to
4:00pm – 5:00pm – Briar Room – Interested in exploring this world? Join TEOS members as they present an intro into becoming part of the punk.
SCARE-A-CON ‘Gloom’ Championship sponsored by Play the Game Read the Story
4:00pm – PTGRTS Booth – Family stressing you out? Get revenge in this twisted card game, where you win by making your “family” as unhappy as possible and then get them killed off! There will be free demos all day Friday and Saturday. Event starts at 4pm and is limited to maximum seating of event area. Winner receives a $25 Play the Game Read the Story gift certificate to spend at our Main Store.
The People Under The Stairs Reunion Panel
4:30pm – 6:00pm – Main Stage – Several cast members shre their experiences and thoughts on this classic film, with: Sean Whalen, Brandon Quintin Adams, & Yan Birch
Film Makers’ Panel: From Big Ideas to Big Screen
5:00pm – 6:30pm – Briar Room – Anyone who has tried to beark into the film making business knows it’s a maze. Whether acting, producing, financing, or directing, listen to some who have navigated it successfully, with: Ron Bonk, Mara Katria, Max and Britt Griffith
Zombie Apocalypse – Are You Prepared?
5:30pm – 7:00pm – Cypress Room C – Join the discussion as those in the “know” share their secrets on how to prepare for this day, with: TBD
Margot Kidder Q&A
6:00pm – 7:00pm – Main Stage – Black Christmas, Amityville Horror, Superman with Christopher Reeves, and so much more, this Q&A session will be a highlight of the weekend
World Premiere – Prescott Place starring Alexis Iacono, and House Guest starring Alex Vincent
7:00pm – 9:00pm – Main Stage
Film Makers’ Networking Mixer
7:00pm – 9:00pm – Turquoise Tiger at Turning Stone – Join other film making professions, producers, investors, directors, and more and exchange information while chatting about your craft. A must for anyone attending SCARE-A-CON looking to get into the film making business
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
The Twilight Zone: The Influence of a TV Game-Changer
10:00am – 11:30pm – Cypress Room C – Rod Serling and his groundbreaking TV series, The Twilight Zone, remains as one of the all-time classics of sci-fi TV, or any medium for that matter. Join the discussion of Rod, and his work with his longtime friend and author, with: Douglas Brode
The Ultimate Scream Queen Panel
10:30am – 12:00pm – Main Stage – No real horror film is complete with a good set of pipes from a gorgeous woman in peril. We assemble some of the screen’s best for a discussion and Q&A, with: Debbie Rochon, Linnea Quigley and Marilyn Burns
Children Actors in Horror
11:00am – 12:00pm – Cypress Room D – Many of horror’s most noted victims, and heroes have been children. Join this collection of actors/actresses as they take your questions and discuss what it’s like acting in horror at an early age, with: Butch Patrick, Lisa Loring, Kylie Szymanski and Alex Vincent
Tim Shaw: Seances
11:00am – 12:00pm – Cypress Room E – A look at the art of the séance, with: Tim Shaw (Note: no actual séance will take place, and this session is for informational purposes only)
Monique Parent Q&A
12:00pm – 1:00pm – Cypress Room E – Take this opportunity to learn more about the multifaceted actress whose more recent efforts have been in horror.
Ghost Hunters Panel
1:00pm – 2:30pm – Main Stage – In its ninth season on SyFy, Ghost Hunters has changed the way the world looks at the paranormal. Use this chance to ask the questions, and learn more about the TV show, with: Britt Griffith, Jason Hawes, and others
Horror Host Celebration – Dr. Baron DeMoane
1:00pm – 2:30pm – Cypress Room D – Relive the days of the iconic Syracuse-area horror host from channel 9 with this Q&A panel discussion
SCARE-A-CON Film Festival and R.I.P. Awards Ceremony
4:00pm – 5:30pm – Cypress Room C – Presentation of awards for the SCARE-A-CON Film Festival, the SCARE-A-CON Recognition of Inspired Performance (R.I.P) Awards, and induction into the SCARE-a-CON Horror Hall of Fame
In addition to these panels, the event offers some really fun events parties that include a Psychic Fair at the LaQuina Inn and Suites, a Film Festival, a “Friday the 13th” Dance Party at The Gig at the Turning Stone Casino, and a Zombie Bash Party.
So what are you waiting for? Get your tickets here and be sure to stop by our Paranormalpopculture.com table and say hello!
-Larissa Mrykalo