Horror. Podcast. Off-beat.

Blood at the Beach III – May 10 – 12, 2013

Milo with Scream Queens

In March of 2012, at the Monster Mania Convention in New Jersey, we were made aware of a new horror con.  Who told us?  Kane Hodder.  Where was it?  Virginia Beach — just a short hour drive from us!  Needless to say, we were stoked.  The line-up looked awesome — a few show repeats (Norman Reedus, Tony Todd, Ernie Hudson), but also a few horror staples we had yet to meet (i.e. Debbie Rochon, Tiffany Shepis, Felissa Rose).  The show was to be in April — so we bought weekend passes and eagerly awaited this backyard convention.

Long story short… the 1st Blood at the Beach (then titled Blood on the Beach) was a bit of a mess.  In its first attempt, it was overwhelming, crowded and just  a bit of a clusterfuck.  They probably booked too many guests, sold too many tickets — both of which are not exactly bad problems — but they weren’t prepared for the outcome.  Parking was a nightmare.  Some guests didn’t even have tables — so, makeshift tables were set up.  There was a line to get into the guest room (a problem I had never faced at a previous convention).  And we witnessed Cannibal Holocaust director, Ruggero Deodato, being denied entrance to the autograph room — until he frustratingly had to show his GUEST BADGE.

I understand running a large event like that is crazy stressful, so I applaud the organizer’s efforts (and continuing efforts).  I had a great time meeting the guests; however, the overall experience just left a bad taste in my mouth.   They held Blood at the Beach II at a different hotel that November.  It had its moments; but all in all, it was better show. Blood at the Beach III was originally supposed to be at the BATBII hotel — but things happen and it was rescheduled to take place at the 1st hotel.  UGH.

This past Saturday, May 11, we made a day trip to the show — something to which I was not entirely looking forward.  With all that said, it was a pretty easy-breezy day.  Not bad.  Not bad at all.  Parking was good.  Instead of having to park at a satellite location, we could park at the hotel (woo hoo).  The show didn’t feel cramped or crowded.  The longest line we waited in was for Doug Bradley (about 5 – 10 min).  So… all was great. But here’s the thing.  I’d be extremely curious to see attendance compared to the first two shows.  It was great for us — but I hope it worked out well for the organizer, too.  I want these shows to stay in my backyard.  Check out the Blood at the Beach Facebook group for photos, candid conversations and upcoming announcements.  It’s a touch more reliable than the official website.

There will not be a fall show (like there was last year); however, the same organizer is putting on a pop culture show in August.  With Steve Sanders and Debbie Gibson signed up, I think we’ll be there.

Update (July 17, 2013): The Pop Culture Con was canceled.  Seems the organizer is going through some legal issues.  Ugh. 

Check out who we met…

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