We’re half way through the year and that means only one thing: We’re less than 90 days before Halloween. It’s time for the yearly Midsummer Scream Halloween and Horror Convention! If you’ve never heard of this great con, let me hip you to the best Halloween con in Southern California. This con packs all the scares, thrills and fun of October in July. Dozens of haunts and Halloween themed things to do: walk thru mazes, horror escapes rooms, over 100 venders selling the best Halloween/horror theme items you didn’t know you needed, along with stages featuring panels and presentations from Southern California’s biggest theme parks and of course Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. Really? What more do you need!
This year was even bigger than last year: Adding dozens’ more venders and more mini horror mazes. And the fans ate it up. Lots more creative cosplay and a general vibe of joy and togetherness as Halloween fans gather to celebrate in what they would call, “they’re Christmas”.
This year was special due to the 30thanniversary of the release of the 1988 cult classic, Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. Who was on hand for a very special panel where she walked the audience though the making of and told stories from the set along with video interviews from the cast and crew. As a super fan of Elvira, this was a great panel. Casandra (Elvira’s real name) is a polished performer and interview. This isn’t her first rodeo. She knows how to land a joke and keep the conversation flowing with signature humor and class. By far, this was one of the best panels of the weekend.
What’s great about this particular Midsummer Scream is the venders. These are artists are here to show the world their Halloween love. Specialty items you could only find here or online: art prints, exclusively designed t-shirts just for the weekend, all the buttons, pins and stickers you can shake a stick at. See new amazing effects that can be used in your own home haunts. Did you know that you can make fog have textures and scents? I didn’t, I do now. And I want them all.
If you find yourself stuck in the middle of summer eagerly awaiting the Halloween season and you can do nothing to fill that void while you wait. You need to go to Midsummer Scream next year. Beat the heat and spend time with like-minded individuals all enjoying the same thing as you. If you’re a fan of all things Halloween and horror this is the weekend for you.
