[CONVENTION REVIEW] Hauntmare Expo
Hauntmare Expo in Fresno, California, is carving out its niche in the world of horror conventions by building on the foundation laid by events like Midsummer Scream. This ambitious event aims to extend the Halloween season by bringing the eerie excitement of haunted attractions directly to the fans. By inviting renowned haunted attractions to set up mini haunted houses, Hauntmare Expo provides a spine-chilling preview of what thrill-seekers can expect during the Halloween season. This innovative approach not only showcases the creativity and terror that these haunts have to offer but also allows attendees to experience the fear firsthand in a more intimate, controlled environment.
In addition to the haunted houses, Hauntmare Expo drew a significant crowd by featuring a lineup of celebrity guests from some of the most iconic horror films and TV shows. Fans had the opportunity to meet stars from "Scream," "Halloween," "Stranger Things 4," and more, adding an extra layer of excitement to the convention. These appearances not only attracted horror aficionados but also added a level of prestige to the event, solidifying Hauntmare Expo as a must-attend for those looking to immerse themselves in all things spooky and supernatural.
The show floor at Hauntmare Expo was a captivating experience, blending the artistry of live special effects makeup demos with a diverse array of vendors. As you wandered through the aisles, you could feel the energy and excitement building for the upcoming Halloween season. The live makeup demos were particularly mesmerizing, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible talent and creativity that goes into crafting the terrifying characters that haunt our nightmares.
In addition to the demos, the floor featured a rich mixture of both local vendors and suppliers catering to the haunted house industry. Whether you were looking for unique Halloween decor, eerie costumes, or professional-grade haunted house supplies, there was something for everyone. The variety of offerings made exploring the show floor a lot of fun, as each booth had its own unique flavor of spookiness. Overall, the experience left you buzzing with anticipation for the Halloween season, as the sights, sounds, and scares of the expo perfectly set the tone for what’s to come.
The highlight of Hauntmare Expo was undoubtedly the mini "Hall of Shadows," a chilling trio of haunted attractions that left a lasting impression on all who dared to enter. The first of these, The Walker Family Haunt, stood out not only for its detailed decor but also for its noble cause, raising funds for Autism Awareness. As you navigated through this maze, you encountered a variety of classic Halloween themes—creepy clowns, flesh-hungry zombies, and more—all brought to life with impressive attention to detail.
Next up was Team Scream, a maze that, while lacking in full scene decorations, more than made up for it with well-timed scares. The sparse setting added an eerie atmosphere, keeping you on edge as you moved through the dark, winding paths. However, the crown jewel of the Hall of Shadows was undoubtedly The Nightmare on Main Street from Paso Robles. This attraction elevated the experience with its 3-D effects, plunging you into a nightmarish world where each themed area was more disorienting and terrifying than the last. The combination of visual effects and intense scares made it the standout attraction of the expo.
For a first-year event, Hauntmare Expo was incredibly impressive, far surpassing my expectations. The variety of experiences—from the star-studded guest list to the immersive haunted attractions—created a thrilling atmosphere that truly captured the spirit of Halloween. The mini "Hall of Shadows" was a standout feature, offering a taste of the terror that awaits this season, while the show floor provided plenty of inspiration and excitement for the spooky festivities ahead.
Hauntmare Expo managed to deliver a professional and engaging experience, setting a high bar for future conventions. I’m already looking forward to seeing how they build on this success in the years to come, and I can’t wait to return next year to see what new scares and surprises they have in store.
Review by: Jimmy of Horrific Network
