Fun at Flashback Weekend

Over the last few days, I had a great time at the 11^th annual Flashback Weekend Horror convention at the Crowne Plaza in Rosemont.  I have been going to Flashback for years and it is always fantastic.

Once again, it was held during the same weekend as Wizard World, a huge convention held across the street at the Stephens Convention Center.  These cons have some similarities, but they are not really in competition.

Flashback is more focused on the horror genre and is more of an intimate experience.  While Flashback draws huge crowds, you never feel overcrowded or overwhelmed.  It is such a pleasurable experience.

Our first stop was at Kane Hodder’s table.  Kaner portrayed Jason in four of the Friday the 13^th films.  Despite his killer role, he is just an incredibly nice guy and a funny one, too.  I purchased Kane’s book “Unmasked” (written by Michael Aloisi).  I cannot wait to dive into this book.

Next we went to visit Sarah French and Joe Knetter.  I had interviewed French last year and quickly became a fan of hers.  She is a sweet, funny and beautiful actress.  Then there is her boyfriend Joe…  Seriously, Joe, an actor and author, was really fun, too.  It was almost as much fun talking to Joe as it was to Sarah.

It is just these kind of special moments with the celebrities that make Flashback Weekend one of my favorite events of the year.  You don’t just get a scribbled signed photo.  You get a real few moments with the celebritiy.

Also at the convention were John Carpenter (director), Linda Blair and many other horror legends.  Even Chicago’s own Svengoolie was there.  If you are into horror films, this is for you.  Even if you aren’t a huge horror fan, there are plenty of things for you.  Flashback Weekend also had movie screenings, costume contests, a zombie beauty contest and much more.

I went with a couple friends and we ran into a few other friends there.  Each of us was there for different reasons, but all of us left completely happy with the experience.