This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend Scarefest, a horror and paranormal convention, in Lexington, Kentucky. My fiancé and I tagged along with his dad, stepmother, and one of their friends. Our journey to Lexington took three hours, during which a thick blanket of fog enveloped us. I thought it was the perfect setting for a day filled with horror.

Many names in the horror and paranormal industry would be there. My excitement was nearly unbearable. I was looking forward to meeting many of the stars but the fact that Elvira would be there had my stomach all aflutter with idol worship. Some other great horror celebs were in attendance—Lin Shaye (Insidious, Dead End), Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters), Kane Hodder (Friday the 13th 7 & 8), and Danielle Harris (Halloween 4, Halloween) to name just a few. On the paranormal end, Zac Bagans and Aaron Goodwin from Ghost Adventures and some of the cast of Ghost Hunters were there as well.

Aside from the celebs, there were vendors selling anything from “antiques,” DVD’s, posters, and collectibles to vampire hunting kits. If I wasn’t a broke hillbilly, I would have happily purchased all kinds of beautiful junk—I mean treasure.

Also attending the convention were multiple psychics, mediums, and palm readers. I had my heart set on getting a reading. However, their booths were constantly packed and I’m not the most patient person, plus I have this thing about crowds…. It seems the psychic business is booming though. Other than the celebrities, they were the busiest people there.

One of the best booths was the group from a local haunted house, Wicked World Scaregrounds. Their costumes and makeup were phenomenal and they were a very friendly bunch. Another plus—you didn’t have to pay them for a picture. I did have trouble asking them to take pictures with me though; I am painfully shy. Luckily, they sell beer at this convention. Once I drank enough to decrease my inhibitions, I approached the guy with the big meat cleaver.

Most of the celebrities I admired from afar, content to simply be in their presence. My man shelled out $45 so I could have my picture taken with the lovely Elvira. No amount of beer could calm my nerves for that. When it was time for our photo-op, I managed to sigh out a quiet “Hi.” I had feared she would be a primadonna; I worried about it all day. It’s never good to meet your idol and learn they aren’t worthy of your worship. Happily, she was very friendly and approachable. In truth, she barely noticed me as she was distracted by my man’s suggestive shirt. We smiled for the camera (I even managed to keep my cheeze level toned down a little, like Sookie Stackhouse, I smile really big when I’m nervous) and it was over. After stuttering out a “thank you,” I had to laugh at myself, so much nervousness for less than five minutes of Elvira time. Clearly, I have issues. If I ever manage to meet Stephen King, I will probably die from my heart bursting out of my chest. I had to wait two hours to get my golden picture—for $45, it might as well be gold-plated—and Elvira left before I could get her autograph. That’s ok, I don’t know if I could have handled more of her presence anyway.

While there, I also had the opportunity to screen some horror films for free. I attended the screening for The Victim, a film by Michael Biehn and his wife, Jennifer Blanc. It was an interesting experience to sit only two rows behind some of the actors and the director. It was a lot of fun and an experience I would like to repeat. Afterwards I got to shake Michael Biehn’s hand! Actually, I tried to avoid that but my fear of being rude (I’m a southern gal after all) overcame my fear of interacting with people.

It was a very long day, but I had fun. I am already looking forward to next year’s event. The dates have already been announced for September 28-30, 2012. For more information, you can visit their website here. Mark those dates on your calendar and get some horror in your life!

* Top photo by Kenny May, Other by Dark Rider Studios