​​Rock Royalty and Rare Scares Unleashed at New Jersey Horror Con

 

by Tara Adams

Writer, Haunt Hunters App 

ISELIN, NJ – For a dedicated KISS collector, a flight from Chicago to New Jersey is a small price to pay to cross a 25-year finish line. 

That was the case for Alejandro Valdez at the New Jersey Horror Con amd Film Festival over the weekend, who made the trek with a singular mission: securing the final signature on a prized KISS poster. 

The target was legendary drummer Peter Criss, the last remaining piece of a rock-and-roll puzzle that Valdez has been piecing together for a quarter of a century.

​Collecting autographs from all four original members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band—Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, the late Ace Frehley, and Criss, a convention guest—requires an immense amount of patience, timing, and travel. 

Because original members rarely appear under the same roof anymore, convention floors have become the de facto staging grounds for music history.

​"I enjoy it," Valdez said of the chase. "I enjoy collecting and meeting them. They're amazing."

Valdez's poster pre-signature by Peter Criss

Valdez also brought along a Peter Criss Psycho Circus comic book to complete a set, having already secured signatures from Frehley, Simmons, and Stanley on their respective individual issues. 

He noted that these specific comic books hold the highest sentimental value in his collection, because he originally picked up the Spanish-language editions while living in Mexico.

​"I'm going to have Peter sign his issue, and I'm going to have it framed," Valdez said. "It means more to me."

​That level of dedication is standard operating procedure for the "KISS Army."

 

Since the 1970s, the band has plastered their iconic makeup and logos onto everything from action figures and pinball machines to official coffins. The seemingly endless mountain of merchandise has bred a unique subculture of die-hards who treat memorabilia as a lifestyle, rather than a hobby, turning out en masse over the weekend just to secure a brief moment with Criss.

​The rock nostalgia continued elsewhere on the convention floor, away from the standard autograph lines. 

Lita Ford thrills fan with surprise performance 

Heavy metal icon Lita Ford treated attendees to an unexpected highlight when she picked up a guitar for an impromptu, bare-bones performance in the middle of the aisle. 

Without the buffer of a massive stage or a booming stadium PA, the set turned into a remarkably raw, intimate moment for the crowd that quickly swarmed the area.

​A high point of the surprise performance came when Ford struck the opening chords of her 1988 hit, "If I Close My Eyes Forever," trading vocal lines with a member of the crowd. 

Originally recorded as a haunting duet with Ozzy Osbourne for her self-titled Lita album, the track remains a permanent fixture of late-80s radio. Hearing her belt it out stopped foot traffic, offering fans an unpolished look at a song that has endured for nearly forty years.

​For long-time horror purists, the weekend offered an equally rare milestone. 

Face-to-Face with Pazuzu: Eileen Dietz Debuts Historic Character Photo Op

Actress Eileen Dietz, who served as the terrifying face of the demon Pazuzu (known as Captain Howdy) in William Friedkin’s 1973 masterpiece The Exorcist, donned the character's ghoulish mask for an official photo op.

“It's for the first time!” Dietz excitedly said while meeting fans at her table.

Between the celebrity tables, the event served as a major showcase for regional cosplayers who roamed the halls alongside established character guests. At one turn, fan-favorite regular Father Evil, a character portraying a fallen priest, hissed "Sinners!" into a passing camera lens. 

Right behind him, a towering scarecrow carrying a sickle posed for photos before melting back into the crowd.

Behind the mask: The real reason why cosplayers do what they do

​Among the dedicated hobbyists pacing the floor on Saturday was Nicholas Grandinetti, transformed into a Cenobite from the Hellraiser franchise. 

Grandinetti is a veteran of the scene, hitting roughly twenty horror, comic, and pop culture conventions every year to break up the monotony of daily life.

​"Monday through Friday is work. Saturday and Sunday is play," Grandinetti said.

He builds his rotation, which includes sci-fi, comic characters, and even a Krampus suit for the holidays, around the specific theme of each show.

“Sometimes it's just based on whatever the theme of the show is. Other times it's what the weather is going to be. You don’t want to be wearing this in a heat wave," he noted. "I try to keep it with something that I think is going to go over well with that show. But, really, when it comes to cosplay, there's no rules. You can go to an anime show dressed as Darth Vader, nobody cares, as long as it looks cool.”

​Over years of travel and convention floor wear-and-tear, he has learned that investing heavily in high-end masks and gear is the only way to ensure a costume survives the circuit. 

“I go by the philosophy that if you pay for quality, you're only going to cry about it once,” Grandinetti said, noting that top-tier masks and suits simply hold up better over time.

He is already preparing his Hellraiser look for the Monster-Mania Convention in August, where he hopes to meet original Pinhead actor Doug Bradley while fully suited up.

​For Grandinetti, the long hours and financial investment are worth it for the reactions he gets on the floor, particularly from attendees who need a lift.

​“I just have an eye for costuming, but, really, it's the people that I meet, especially when I can do something for kids, people with special needs,” he explained. “The world's not getting any nicer, so if you could give them a smile or just give them something cool to look at for a minute, it's satisfying, even if you look like this.”

​From "Headache Music" to Coffin Creeps: Heavy Metal Meets Handmade Horror at Texas Frightmare Weekend

Hugzee the Clown at Texas Frightmare Weekend 

by Tara Adams

Writer, Haunt Hunters App

IRVING, Texas – Amid a packed Irving Convention Center, a creature on stilts with a rotted face, towering over the crowd, stepped aside to let a family with children pass. 

The air inside carried a distinct hum. It was the unmistakable buzz from an energetic and excited crowd full of monster fans. 

​This is Texas Frightmare Weekend 2026, where the line between the nightmare realm and casual weekend commerce evaporates.

In its 20th year, for first-timers and veterans alike, the convention isn’t just a place to buy memorabilia. It’s a temporary sanctuary for the beautifully bizarre.

​"Headache Music" and Walmart Pajamas

​If Texas Frightmare had a house band this year, it would've been God In A Machine. Hailing from Oklahoma and attending for the first time, the industrial metal outfit brought a chaotic energy that felt right at home among the slashers and ghouls.

​Frontman (4) was quick to shut down any polite misconceptions about their sound.

​"Oh, we play country … No, we don’t," he said, deadpan. "We’re industrial metal. If you like to have headaches, that’s what we make. We make headache music."

​When asked why someone chooses to spend their life creating sonic violence, (4) laughed, joking that he didn't like the music he creates.

​"Oh, I don’t [enjoy it]. At all," he said. "It gives me a headache to do it. So I actually go home, pop some ibuprofen, relax in a nice little bubbly bathtub with some candles lit after a show, and I question my life choices."

​It’s all in good fun. When asked whether the band’s ultimate goal is to pass those headaches onto the audience, he didn't miss a beat.

"Yes. Yes, because I don’t like people," he joked. "We just enjoy jumping around, screaming, having a good time on stage. So, you know, we make loud music for everybody."

​Alongside bassist Toad No One, the band spent the weekend blurring the lines between performer and fan. Despite their distressed clothes and intimidating masks, (4) insisted there was no stage persona involved.

​"What costumes?" he said, gesturing to his gear. "These are my pajamas. I rolled out of bed this morning. I was on my way to Walmart, and I saw something happening here, and I was like, ‘What’s going on over there?’ I’m gonna check it out."

​Therapy in Paint

​The band wasn't the only group pulling eyeballs. A trio of clown cosplayers, Billy Bloodstain; Mr. Crowley; and Knockout the Clown, were frequently asked for photos.

​All three are professional haunt actors who made their first trek to Frightmare. 

Billy Bloodstain traveled from Creepy Hollow Haunted House in Rosharon, just south of Houston, while Knockout and Mr. Crowley represent Imminent Doom Haunted House in Kilgore. They all made their own original costumes from scratch, balancing menacing aesthetics with surprisingly warm dispositions.

​"I look evil, but I'm a really sweet clown," Billy said. 

For him, the makeup is a bridge to the community. 

"I get to scare people for fun, but also, I get to give a good influence to people who want to get into this but sometimes feel afraid to do it. It's amazing because I get to meet so many people."

​While they love the thrill of a good scare, the trio views the convention floor, and the haunt industry as a whole, as an essential release valve.

​"It's a creative outlet as well. You get to support people who do art on their own time," Knockout said.

​"It's a good stress reliever," Mr. Crowley added, which prompted Billy to chime in: "It's good therapy."

​Ultimately, the goal behind the blood splatters and face paint is surprisingly wholesome. 

"I just love making people smile," Mr. Crowley said, noting that he hopes the character gives people a brief moment to forget about whatever real-life stress they left at the convention doors. 

"It's been a great convention. I loved everything that we saw today,”he said. “So many pictures with everybody. Come out and check it out next year."

​"It's a fun time for the whole family," Billy said.

​Knockout offered a simpler parting directive: "Stay scary!"

​If the trio brought the high energy, another performer named Hugzee the Clown occupied the opposite end of the spectrum. 

Clad in a worn, heavily stained suit, Hugzee didn't utter a single word, maintaining a permanently melancholic demeanor that somehow had the inverse effect of cheering up everyone he met.

​Waving at passing crowds with a fake, severed hand, the somber clown carried a cardboard sign offering attendees a menu of quick interactions: free hugs, the handclap game, a staring contest, rock-paper-scissors, Tic-Tac-Toe, thumb wars, or an "overly dramatic high five." 

It was a quiet hit on a loud floor, turning simple childhood games into performance art.

​Monsters on the Mic

​That sense of camaraderie extended far beyond the exhibition floor. When darkness fell on Saturday night, the convention transformed into something resembling a localized, supernatural block party for "Scaryoke."

​Under the pulsing glow of dance party lights, the room filled with a thick fog that carried the distinct, sweet-and-musty scent of a classic haunted house. 

Cosplayers in full makeup and attendees rubbed elbows, taking turns on the microphone.

​But there was no gatekeeping or stage fright here. The crowd rallied behind everyone who stepped up to sing, cheering and losing their minds as if they were witnessing the greatest performer on earth. 

It wasn't about vocal perfection; it was a pure show of community support, where a room full of misfits made sure nobody felt like an outsider.

​Coffins, Creatures, and Conversation

​Back in the main aisles, the sonic assault of the convention floor gave way to something a bit more tactile. One of the weekend’s biggest gravity wells was a booth stacked with miniature coffins and glowing eyes: the home of Coffin Creeps.

​The boutique toy line is owned by Piggy D., best known as the guitarist for Marilyn Manson and former bassist for Rob Zombie. Instead of hiding behind a VIP curtain, Piggy D. stood at his table all weekend, chatting about his 18-inch deluxe monster dolls and taking pictures with fans.

​The figures are a mix of high-end art and nostalgia-fueled horror collectibles. 

Among the dolls on hand were:

• ​The Talking Salem Witch: A flashing-eyed figure programmed with more than 50 phrases.
• ​The Georgetown Project: A Captain Howdy doll that speaks 30 lines.
• ​Nosferatu: The "Original Prince of Darkness," who speaks 50 phrases.
• ​Billy Baphomet: A "goatish guru" whose 50 positive, uplifting messages are voiced by horror royalty Doug Bradley (Pinhead from Hellraiser).
• The Gill Creep: Different versions, including black and white and an updated version with lights and sound. 

​For one attendee, the draw wasn't just the toys, but the man behind the counter.

​"He saw me eyeing Billy Baphomet, and he came right over and started explaining his features," she said of Piggy D. 

It was that friendly engagement that sealed the deal on the purchase.

​From the Stage to the Table

​The Coffin Creeps booth also served as a launchpad for Piggy D.’s newest musical venture, Gabi & The Fly. 

Vocalist Gabi Lindland joined him at the booth, fresh off the May 15 release of their debut five-song demo, Initiation of Decay.

​Between signing autographs and posing for photos, Lindland discussed the harsh, aggressive metal she belts out on the demo. ​Her deep, textured growls pair with Piggy D.’s chaotic guitar work to give the music a raw, unvarnished edge.

​When asked how she manages to rip through songs without destroying her vocal cords, Lindland smiled.

​"I have a technique," she said.

​By the time the lights dimmed on the convention floor, thousands of dollars in art and media had changed hands. 

But in a room packed with monsters, it was the human interactions, the rock stars talking toys, the metalheads joking about bubble baths, and the late-night choir under the fog lights, that gave Texas Frightmare Weekend its pulse.

Hotel of Terror to Close After Final Season Following $2 Million Eminent Domain Settlement

 

Statement posted Tuesday to social media

by Tara Adams
Writer, Haunt Hunters App

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – After years of legal battles and public debate, Hotel of Terror announced Tuesday it will close permanently following the upcoming haunted house season.

Local news reports indicated the settlement between Hotel of Terror Owners Sterling and Melissa Mathis was $2 million with a provision that the attraction remain open for one more season.

In a statement posted to social media on Tuesday, the family behind the long-running attraction confirmed they have reached a settlement with the city, ending an eminent domain dispute that has hung over the property for years. 

The payment from the city is not enough to rebuild the haunt, according to the statement, but the family no longer wants the stress of the prolonged battle. 

“This has been an emotional and exhausting experience,” and the stress has greatly affected my family, especially my wife's health," according to the statement. "With this settlement, it is impossible to rebuild.”

Hotel of Terror, a fixture of the region’s fall season for nearly 50 years, became the center of controversy when the city announced plans that would require acquisition of the property through eminent domain. 

City officials argued the land was needed for redevelopment, while the owners maintained that the compensation offered did not reflect the value of the business or the years invested in building the attraction.

Rather than accepting the initial offer, the family fought the action and ultimately succeeded in pushing the issue to a public referendum, a move that drew significant attention and community support. 

Fans of the haunted house rallied behind the owners, viewing the fight as a stand against government overreach and a defense of a locally owned business with deep roots in the area.

Despite that support, the dispute dragged on, leaving the future of the attraction uncertain from one season to the next. In their statement, the owners said the prolonged legal fight and lack of resolution made continuing no longer viable.

The upcoming season will now serve as the Hotel of Terror’s final run. The family said they plan to open one last time to give longtime patrons a chance to return and say goodbye.

“We are grateful to everyone in the community who has supported us and stood by us through the years,” the statement said.

Fans of Hotel of Terror posted responded to the settlement with sadness, but, said they understood why the owners, eventually, agreed to the settlement. 

“What a shame. I’m sorry to hear this and I don’t blame you at all,” one person wrote. “That kind of stress can ruin a family. We will definitely be supporting you this season. Prime example of how nothing is really yours. The government can, and will, take your house or land anytime they want to. Too many people don’t understand that.”

Another person said the news was “extremely tragic.”

“I'm so sorry for this loss, to you and your family, especially, but also to the whole community,” according to the post. “The building, itself, is such a big part of Springfield history. I'm so sad (and angry) that it's so easy for them to rob you, financially, and also mentally. None of us in the community can be as hurt as you guys are, of course. But we are hurt. This is extremely tragic that this building means nothing to so many.”

Dungeons of Doom in Springfield, also owned by the Mathis Family, will remain open. 

From Fan Idea to Long-Running Horror Show: 20 Years of Texas Frightmare Weekend

 

Photo: Texas Frightmare Weekend 

Founder and Event Director Loyd Cryer looks back on two decades of building one of horror’s most consistent fan-driven conventions.

by Tara Adams
Writer, Haunt Hunters App

IRVING, Texas – If you rewind it far enough, Texas Frightmare Weekend starts like a grainy tape passed hand to hand: a fan-made idea born out of love for the genre and conversations among friends. 

Twenty years later, it’s still playing, just on a much larger screen.

Texas Frightmare Weekend launched in 2006 out of what Founder and Event Director Loyd Cryer describes as a gap in the region’s horror scene and a shared fan impulse to fix it.

“Texas Frightmare Weekend started back in 2006 out of a genuine love for horror films and a desire to create something special for fans in Texas,” Cryer said. “At the time, there really wasn’t a dedicated, large-scale horror convention in the region, and we felt that fans deserved a space that celebrated the genre year-round, not just at Halloween. It began as a passion project between friends and has grown into something much bigger than we ever imagined.”

Two decades later, that small-scale setup has turned into one of the country’s more established and popular horror conventions, drawing guests and attendees from across the U.S. and beyond. 

For Cryer, the anniversary carries a dual weight.

“It means everything. As a fan, it’s surreal to see something you love reach that kind of milestone. As an organizer, it represents 20 years of hard work, relationships, and unforgettable moments. We’ve built a community that feels like family, and hitting this anniversary is both humbling and incredibly rewarding.”

This year’s event runs May 22-24, 2026, at Irving Convention Center and is packed with celebrities, reunions, screenings, panels, horror vendors and activities.

The lineup includes a Saw reunion with Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, and Leigh Whannell and a Halloween III: Season of the Witch reunion with Tom Atkins, Stacey Nelkin, and Tommy Lee Wallace. Other guests include David Arquette, Roger L. Jackson, Matthew Lillard, Skeet Ulrich, Emma Roberts, Tom Savini, Warwick Davis, Ice Nine Kills Lead Vocalist Spencer Charnas and Marilyn Manson Guitarist Piggy D., among a lengthy list of stars.

The shift from regional gathering to destination event didn’t happen in a single year or moment, he said. It came gradually, as the scope of the convention widened and its audience stretched far beyond Texas.

“There wasn’t one exact moment. It was more of a gradual realization,” Cryer said. “When we started seeing fans traveling in from across the country (and even internationally), and studios and major talent began treating Frightmare as a must-attend stop, that’s when it really clicked. The energy shifted from ‘local event’ to something people were planning their year around.”

This year’s convention is expected to feature more than 100 vendors, along with programming that reflects how much the horror landscape has changed since the early 2000s.

“Horror has evolved tremendously, and we’ve made it a priority to evolve with it,” Cryer said. “From practical effects legends to modern filmmakers, streaming-era stars, and content creators, we try to reflect the full spectrum of horror fandom. We’ve also expanded into screenings, live performances, and immersive experiences to give fans more ways to engage with the genre.”

Even with that expansion, Cryer said the underlying approach hasn’t shifted much since the beginning.

“Because we are fans first. Every decision we make, from guest selection to pricing to layout, is made with the attendee experience in mind. We listen to feedback, we stay accessible, and we try to create an environment that feels welcoming and authentic. That’s always been the core of what we do.”

Asked what he hopes people say after this year’s 20th anniversary event, Cryer keeps it simple.

“I hope they say it was something special—that it felt different. That it wasn’t just about meeting celebrities, but about being part of a community that truly loved horror. If people walk away with great memories and feel like they were part of something meaningful, then we’ve done our job.”

This year’s edition is being framed as both a look back and a reset point for what comes next.

“This year is a celebration of everything that’s come before and everything still ahead,” Cryer said. “We’ve got some incredible reunions, screenings, and surprises planned, and we’re really leaning into the idea of making this a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans. If you’ve never been, this is the year to check it out.”

For more information about the event, including the full lineup and ticket information, please visit texasfrightmareweekend.com.

Monsters, Stars, and Retro Horror Return to Chiller Theatre

 

The long-running convention turns New Jersey into a meeting ground for horror fans and cult favorites.

by Tara Adams

Writer, Haunt Hunters App 

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — At a convention built on horror nostalgia and pop-culture icons, Darcy DeMoss stood out at Chiller Theatre for an additional quality: approachability.

Best known to horror fans for her role as Nikki in "Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives," DeMoss spent the weekend greeting fans without hurry, trading stories, and engaging in conversations that went beyond quick autographs or photo opportunities.

“I love Chiller Theatre,” DeMoss said. “It’s my favorite convention.”

DeMoss brought an easygoing enthusiasm, greeting attendees with a smile and treating each interaction as a genuine exchange rather than a transaction.

For longtime horror fans, moments like that are a reminder of why conventions remain an essential part of the genre’s culture. The connection between performers and audiences, especially in horror, often extends well beyond the screen.

DeMoss remains closely associated with Jason Lives, one of the franchise’s most popular entries, and fans lined up eager to discuss the film’s legacy. 

Her broader résumé, which includes "Reform School Girls," "Return to Horror High," and "Pale Blood," further cements her status as a cult-horror mainstay.

Outside of horror, DeMoss's filmography includes "Can't Buy Me Love," "For Keeps," and "Coldfire," among a lengthy list of credits.

By the end of the weekend, DeMoss had done more than revisit past roles. She reinforced a reputation built on gratitude and accessibility, demonstrating an understanding of the loyalty horror fans bring and meeting it with the same respect.

Other celebrities on hand for the event included Chris Noth, who made his first convention appearance, Heather Locklear, Christopher Lambert, Sally Struthers, Linda Blair, and Mike Tramp, among a packed list of stars.

Cosplayers were also a steady presence throughout the weekend, adding to the convention’s atmosphere. Attendees appeared as Frankenstein's monster, The Joker, Art the Clown, and Gilligan from "Gilligan’s Island." Others paid tribute to classic science fiction, including military-uniformed aliens from the television series "V," while a Godzilla cosplayer drew frequent requests for photos as fans moved between autograph lines and vendor booths.

Elsewhere on the convention floor, vendors filled the space with books, horror-themed apparel, handmade candles, monster toys, vinyl records, and an array of retro collectibles.

Among the longtime vendors was Buffalo Bill’s House, representing the filming location used as Buffalo Bill’s home in "The Silence of the Lambs." The Perryopolis, Pa., property now operates as a private vacation rental and offers tours, special events, and themed merchandise.

Pandora’s Box Toys & Collectibles, based in Lafayette, N.J., brought a selection of action figures, retro toys, and hard-to-find memorabilia, while The Two Guys at Chiller booth showcased Halloween blow molds alongside vintage monster and sci-fi toys, games, and collectibles.

“I love that Chiller never disappoints,” said Jeff Annason, one of the operators of The Two Guys at Chiller. “It always brings in great guests and great crowds.”

Jason Meets Hell House in a Pennsylvania Horror Crossover Event

Photo: Waldorf Estate of Fear

by Tara Adams
Writer, Haunt Hunters App

LEHIGHTON, Pa. – Waldorf Estate of Fear has seen its share of horror lore, and it'll soon be staging more of it - slasher style.

The filming location for Hell House, LLC is hosting a 40th Anniversary celebration of Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives on May 1-2, 2026, bringing both movie franchises together for a two-day event built around slasher history and immersive horror experiences.

“We wanted this to be different," said Angie Moyer, owner of Waldorf Estate of Fear. “This isn’t a convention. It’s a celebration.”

The event, Jason Lives in Hell, includes cast appearances, dinner add-on options, themed photo ops, live music, access to Grimville Slaughterhouse, vendors, a costume contest, movie screenings, and interactive experiences designed for horror fans. 

And, yes, Jason and characters from Hell House LLC will be roaming the grounds, Moyer said. 

“All we do is create fear,” Moyer said.

The idea for the celebration came from James J. Haggery, known as “Jimmy J” of Horror/365, with Waldorf offering the location as a new way to mark the season’s Halfway to Halloween programming. 

While Jason Lives was not filmed at the site, organizers say the Abaddon Hotel, the name of the location in Hell House LLC, provides a fitting scene for a celebration rooted in spookiness and horror fandom.

The event is sponsored by Bloody Disgusting, which Moyer said quickly signed on in support of the concept. She added that the partnership with Bloody Disgusting also opens the door to future events and projects.

Celebrities on hand for the celebration include CJ Graham, who played the hockey-masked killer in Jason Lives, Thom Mathews (Tommy Jarvis), Kerry Noonan (Camp Counselor Paula Mott), and Jason Lives Writer and Director Tommy McLoughlin. 

On the Hell House LLC side, Writer and Director Stephen Cognetti, Danny Bellini (Alex Taylor), Jared Hacker (Tony Prescott), Adam Schneider (Mac McNamara), Bailey Moyer (Dead Girl), Phil Hess (Joey), Savannah Mickel (the hitchhiker) and Makeup Artist Jae Rehm are scheduled to appear for photos, panels, and meet and greets.

“We thought it would be a nice way to commemorate the 40th Anniversary,” Moyer said.

Moyer said she was excited to have the cast and crew from Hell House LLC back on the property. Not only has the Hell House LLC franchise amassed a large following, but Waldorf played an enormous role in that success. 

“Waldorf is the Abaddon,” Moyer said. “Every scene you see is the Waldorf. We shaped every single bit of it. When people come, it’s all the movie.”

Jason Lives picks up years after Jason Voorhees is believed to be gone, but he's resurrected after a botched attempt to destroy his body. The story returns the action to Camp Crystal Lake, where Jason resumes his violent rampage. The film stands out in the series for its lighter touch and sharp humor, while firmly reestablishing Jason as an unstoppable, supernatural presence. The movie depicts a version of the character that would define the franchise going forward.

The installment is often mentioned as a favorite among fans of the serial slasher.

Festivities begin Friday, May 1 at 3 p.m. 

One of Waldorf's haunted attractions, Grimville Slaughterhouse, will be open Friday only from 6 to 8 p.m. General admission tickets include entry into the haunt.

Saturday’s programming expands into a daytime festival starting at noon. 

Cast signings, behind-the-scenes tours and a new Escape Hell House experience, now called Return to Hell House, will be available both days.

“If you’ve been to Escape Hell House before, this is not the same,” she said.

Several ticketed photo opportunities are scheduled that include movie-themed backgrounds, including the graveyard scene in Jason Lives and a cabin setting.

Both nights will feature a 40th Anniversary Dinner Celebration, ticketed events that includes dinner, an open bar during the early portion of the event, a commemorative poster and a cake-cutting ceremony. 

Organizers will also present awards honoring the cast of Jason Lives, followed by a full anniversary screening and a live question-and-answer session.

Moyer said the unique celebration will provide a positive boost for the area and local horror fans, who won't have to travel too far in a struggling economy. 

“The economy isn’t the greatest, and a lot of people can’t travel farther to (events),” she said. “This gives fans something special closer to home.”

And by blending a landmark slasher anniversary with the immersive world of Hell House LLC, organizers hope to create an experience that honors the Jason Lives legacy and the fan community that has sustained it for four decades.

For the full event lineup and ticket information, visit https://www.waldorfestateoffear.com/.

Can We Stop Trusting the First People in Line? The True Terror of Screener Culture

by Tara Adams
Writer, Haunt Hunters App

In the good old days, film criticism was built on distance. 

Critics paid for tickets. They sat in regular theaters. They watched movies alongside everyone else, without a studio’s arm draped over their shoulder. Their credibility came from honesty rather than access.

That distance is gone, and we’re worse off for it.

Today’s hype cycle is powered by podcasters and vloggers who proudly announce they’ve seen a movie early or received an advance screener. They flood timelines with breathless declarations such as, “the scariest movie of the decade,” “a game-changer,” "nothing else like it.” 

These statements land weeks before the public has a chance to judge for themselves. 

And they’re almost always wrong. That’s not an accident.

Early access is not a reward for insight. It’s a leash.

Studios don’t hand out advance screenings out of generosity or respect for criticism. They do it because it works. They know that access creates obligation, even if it’s unspoken. 

When a creator’s channel thrives on being first, such as a first reaction, a first review, or a first hot take, the incentive shifts. Accuracy becomes secondary. Honesty becomes risky. Hype becomes currency.

Say something too critical, and the invites from the film studios dry up. Lose the advanced access, and suddenly the vloggers are just another voice waiting in line with everyone else. And for people gung ho on exclusivity and clout, that’s a hard pill for them to swallow.

So the reviews inflate. The language escalates. Every movie is “the best since,” “a return to form,” or “a cultural reset.” 

Spare me.

Horror films, in particular, suffer from this exaggeration. We are apparently living through the most terrifying decade in cinema history, if you believe the people who saw last week’s studio release three weeks early.

Then the movie comes out. Audiences watch it. And the reaction is often confusion. This is what they were raving about?

The disconnect isn’t because viewers are cynical or jaded. It’s because they were marketed to, not informed. 

Early screeners don’t function as criticism. They function as soft press releases delivered with ring lights and podcast mics.

Being first does not make you credible.

Being loud does not make you insightful.

And access does not make you honest.

Real criticism isn’t afraid of being late. It isn’t afraid of being unpopular. It doesn’t need to shout in all caps to justify its existence. It waits, watches, reflects, and then tells the truth, even when that truth is inconvenient.

The most trustworthy voices are often regular moviegoers. The ones who didn’t get the screeners. The ones who bought a ticket, sat in the audience, and didn’t owe anyone a favor afterward.

So when you see that familiar line: “You won’t believe how scary this is,” treat it accordingly. Flush it. Ignore the countdown clocks and embargo-safe enthusiasm. 

Let the movie speak for itself. Think for yourselves.

The loudest people in the room aren’t always critics. Sometimes, they’re just part of the hype machine, and the machine doesn’t care whether the movie is good. It only cares that you show up.