[CONVENTION REVIEW] Gathering of the Ghouls
Arizona has once again blown me away when it comes to Horror events. This is only my 2nd Terror Trader event but it’s safe to say they’re making waves in the horror community. Comparing last year’s Gathering not only did the guest list have some huge names, the attendees came in DROVES! I was shocked at how packed the convention center was on both day Saturday and Sunday, I heard some attendance records were broken during the weekend. Jason of Terror Trader said it best during the Cosplay contest “next year we’re getting a bigger boat”
Wherever they decide to relocate to in 2025 to I’ll definitely be there ready to party it up with the AZ Horror Community.
On Saturday night the cosplay contest judged by Dragula S4 star Formelda Hyde and Felissa Rose of Sleepaway Camp! The competition was tough and entries were capped a week ahead of the event! Over 30 entries were entered and 3 got out alive… I’m just kidding, everyone’s cosplays were amazing and I’m always in awe at the amount of work and creativity people have.
Something new they added this year was a Q&A and screening of ‘Return of the living Dead’ hosted by Joe Bob Briggs with Linnea Quigley, Miguel Nunez Jr, Thom Matthews and Tarman himself Alan Trautman. This was an exclusive screening for VIP and ticket holders and unfortunately we missed out on buying a ticket but we heard it was a hell of a time!
There were also several panels over the weekend: Grimm Life Collective did a Q&A, Cody Leach talked about growing a youtube channel and Catherine Corcoran joined by Jenna Kannel of ‘Terrifier’ fame!
Gathering of the Ghouls is an event put on by horror fans who not only run a horror shop that’s open year round, but they also do so much for their community and it shows. I’m excited for the growth of Terror Trader’s events and I can’t wait for the next one!
Words and photos by: Krystina Alfonso
