Flashback Weekend Returns August 4-6

Flashback Weekend is less than two weeks away. Chicago's largest and longest running Horror Convention returns August 4-6 at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago at 9300 West Bryn Mawr Avenue in Rosemont. Operated masterfully and passionately by Mike and Mia Kerz, Flashback Weekend debuted in 2002 and has grown into a Chicago and horror institution.

As always, this year Flashback Weekend has a jam-packed lineup of celebrity guests. There is a Scream reunion with Skeet Ulrich, Rose McGowan, Jamie Kennedy and Lee Waddell. There is also a Terrifier 1 & 2 reunion with David Howard Thornton, Damian Leone, Jenna Kanell, Catherine Corcoran, Lauren Lavera, Elliott Fullam, Amelia McLain, Leah Voysey and Casey Hartnett. Also there are Holly Marie Combs, Dick Warlock, Lance Guest, Leo Rossi, Alan Howarth, Kane Hodder, Charles Band, Robyn Sydney, Joe Bob Briggs, Darcy the Mail Girl, Alex Vincent, Christine Elise and more.

As amazing as that list is, Flashback Weekend is more than just celebrity meet-and-greet opportunities (although I love that part). There are special photo ops, panels Q&A's, screenings, a costume contest and more.

Adding some local flavor are the legendary Svengoolie, Jason Paul Collum, John LaFlamboy, John Borowski, James Azrael, Jon Kitley, Ron Fitzgerald, Chad Savage and others. Although Chicago claims these as our own, their fame goes well beyond the Windy City. Svengoolie alone is enough to draw a huge crowd. (By the way, if you are going to see Sven, arrive early and get in line because he is always one of the most popular folks there.)

I have gone to Flashback Weekend since its early days. It is always a must attend on my convention circuit. It has all the great qualities of a huge convention, with all of the comforts of a smaller convention.

I look forward to seeing a lot of my convention friends. I have already heard from many friends who will be there and we are planning meetups.

I have had so many great memories at Flashback Weekend. One of the best was last year. I really wanted to meet PJ Soles, but every time I went by her booth, she was either at a panel or her line was so long (understandably so though). Late in the day, PJ was at a quick lunch break, but heard we were running out of time. She graciously took pictures with us. That is going above and beyond ad we really appreciated PJ's efforts and the Flashback Weekend folks for facilitating that.

As always, I will be “On the Beat” and having a blast. I will report back here about all the fun.