Flashback Weekend Returns 8/2-4

Flashback Weekend is only three weeks away. Chicago's largest and longest running Horror Convention returns August 2-4 at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago at 9300 West Bryn Mawr Avenue in Rosemont. Operated masterfully and passionately by Mike and Mia Kerz, Flashback Weekend debuted in 2002 and has grown into a Chicago and horror institution.

As always, the celebrity guest lineup is impressive. The list starts with Adrienne Barbeau, Sam Raimi, Ted Raimi, Ivan Raimi, Don Coscarelli, Tony Todd, Michael Gross, Devon Sawa, Nick Castle, Tom Atkins, Stacey Nelkin, Nancy Stephens, Alan Howarth, Brett Wagner and Quinn Lord.

It's nowhere near done though. There are a few reunions happening at Flashback Weekend. The Warriors reunion includes Michael Beck, James Remar, Dorsey Wright and Thomas G. Waites. There's also a Cabin Fever reunion, featuring Eli Roth, Jordan Ladd, Cerina Vincent, Joey Kern and James DeBello, James Jude Courtney and Rohan Campbell. One more is a reunion of The Thing with David Clennon, Joel Polis, Peter Maloney, Keith David, Richard Masur, Thomas G. Waites, Brian Tyler, Terry Michos and David Harris.

Adding some local flavor are the legendary Svengoolie, Nick Digilio, Dann Gire, Jason Paul Collum, John LaFlamboy, John Borowski, James Azrael, Jon Kitley, Chad Savage, Patrick Bromley, Steve Prokopy and others. Although Chicago claims these as our own, their fame goes well beyond the Windy City. Svengoolie alone is enough to draw a huge crowd. (By the way, if you are going to see Sven, arrive early and get in line because he is always one of the most popular folks there.)

As amazing as that list is, Flashback Weekend is more than just celebrity meet-and-greet opportunities (although I love that part). There are special photo ops, panels Q&A's, screenings, a costume contest and more. I always say it has everything a much larger convention has, while retaining the comfort of a smaller con. It's the best of both worlds. Or it is simply the best!

One final part of Flashback Weekend should not be overlooked. It is like a family reunion. I see folks who I have met and befriended, but only see at Flashback Weekend. It's a perfect place to catch up, while enjoying all the other parts of the convention.

Of course, I'll be "On the Beat" as usual. I'll post any updates if new announcements are made and I'll recap all here, as well.