Flash Forward To Flashback Weekend

Flashback Weekend isn’t the largest convention around, but it is one of the best. It always has quality celebrity guests, interesting events and it is extremely well run. It might be the first convention I ever attended and is a “can’t miss” on my calendar.

This year, Flashback Weekend will be held from August 5-7 at the Crowne Plaza in Rosemont, IL. One of the highlights this year is the Scream reunion, featuring Neve Campbell, Matthew Lillard and Skeet Ulrich. This is a rare opportunity to meet these actors together. Additionally, Neve Campbell appearing in the area is big news. This is certain to draw huge crowds.

Another highly anticipated reunion will feature Malcolm McDowell, Meg Foster (a wonderful actress I have met at a previous Flashback Weekend), Judy Geeson, Pancho Moler and David Ury from Rob Zombie’s 31. McDowell by himself would be a big draw, but putting him with his 31 co-stars creates another unique photo opportunity.

There are several other celebrities, too. Ted Raimi (Ash Vs. Evil Dead), Amy Steele (Friday the 13th Part 2), Kathy Kinmont (Halloween 4), Adrienne King (Friday the 13th), Don Coscarelli (Phantasm), Robert Divoff (Wishmaster), Andrew Kurtzman (Wishmaster) and many more. Plus, local celebrities like Svengoolie, Nick Digilio, Dann Gire and John Laflamboy will be on hand for more fun. This looks to be their most celebrity-packed lineup yet.

In addition to all of these great celebrity guests, there will be an outdoor showing of (what else?) Scream! This is a rare opportunity to see the classic Scream on a giant screen (and outdoors). That is an event by itself!

On Sunday, August 7, Svengoolie will present a special screening of Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. This will include many surprises and audience participation.

There will be two showings of the remastered Phantasm at the Carmike Muvico Rosemont Theatre. The Scooby Do Mystery Machine will be available for photo opportunities. The 11th Annual Sinister Visions Costume Contest is being held on Saturday. Also on Saturday is a Freddy and Freddy-ette Costume Contest. Of course, there will also be plenty opf panels and Q&A sessions and the rest of the usual fun.

In the past, I have met some of my very favorite celebrities at Flashback Weekend. I saw wrestler-actor Rowdy Roddy Piper in the Chicago area for the first time. I interviewed Kelli Maroney, Kane Hodder and more. I reconnected with Traci Lords.

I have so many great memories from Flashback Weekend. I am looking forward to creating more memories at this year’s Flashback Weekend, too!