On September 9-11, 2022, the 2nd annual ‘Colorado Festival of Horror,’ took place at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Denver, Colorado. This year’s theme? FUNHOUSE!
Decorated to look like a musty, haunted Funhouse from a freaky backwoods carnival, various hearses parked out front, teeming with people dressed in horror cosplay, the hotel was the perfect setting for Horror fans to gather and celebrate their favorite genre. Guests, as well as exhibitioners, came from across the country to participate.
Upon arrival, visitors were greeted by the Ghostbusters mobile (of Colorado Ghostbusters) parked out front, alongside a hearse with a werewolf hanging out the window, and a red 2001 Corvette named Christine, claimed to be authentically haunted by a poltergeist. Upon entrance, guests found the hotel decorated garishly in a spooky funhouse theme. Patrons were given pamphlets detailing the weekend’s schedule, consisting of showcases, lectures, classes, screenings, and contests. Important information to help plan the weekend. Since so many events were happening concurrently, one had to plan carefully. A ghoulishly good time was guaranteed no matter what; the ambiance was jovial and the air was electrified with excitement. A horror fiend’s paradise.
Not only was the hotel bedecked to resemble a funhouse, but each special-event room was given a funhouse-style theme as well. In the ‘Gorjira Asian Horror Film Room,’ Godzilla fans were bouncing off the walls with excitement while watching movies and eating traditional snacks from Japan (there was a ‘GodzillaFest on opening night, as well).
In the ‘Circus of the Damned Video Room,’ scary movies like ‘The Crazies,’ and ‘Snake with a Human Tail,’ were shown, and Q&A panels were held. Other rooms like ‘The Barnum Circus Village Panel Room,’ and ‘Monster Main Events,’ were host to lectures, makeup-effects classes, figure-drawing sessions, and many other activities. One event was titled, ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre Socioeconomics.’
There was a ‘Gore Galore Costume Contest,’ as well as a horror-tattoo contest. The pamphlet said, ‘Purveyors of all manner of Horror goodness!’ and DID NOT disappoint.
There was a common area, also known as ‘The Ghoul’s Gathering Place,’ where guests could get a drink and mingle, make new friends, visit with old ones, or people-watch. Oh, what a show it was! Even the bar was transformed into ‘Alferd Packer’s Bar, Grill & Sideshow,’ where drinks like ‘Cape Fear’ (Vodka and cranberry) and ‘The Death Dealer’ (gin, raspberry liquor, lime juice, and soda) were served (among other cleverly- named options). ‘Gore-May’ entrées like the ‘Juan-of-the-Dead Chimi’ (beef barbacoa) and ‘Kane’s Demise’ (spaghetti) were selections for grub, which varied from pizza to sandwiches, to salads (all with a great name). The lines were long, but the food and drink, although sounding gory, were delicious and worth the wait.
The celebrities in attendance were numerous, including David Howard Thornton of ‘The Terrifier’; The Enigma; Lynn Lowry; Eugene Clark; Monica Dupree, and James Stokes (the actor who played Jason Voorhees in the last installment of the series) among others. Photo opportunities were available on each day of the convention.
The 2nd annual COFOH had a lineup of amazing guests, but that wasn’t the only attraction. In the ‘Death Dealer’s Vending Room,’ attendees could purchase everything from horror art to comics, to cosplay; people also were given the opportunity to interact with writers, producers, and artists of every medium. It was easy to get an autograph, especially if you headed over to the ‘Author Signing at Hex Publishers,’ booth. Contributing authors from the book ‘It Came From The Multiplex,’ a horror anthology that debuted at last year’s 1st-annual COFOH were on hand there, where one could purchase commemorative memorabilia and chat up the masterminds behind the book.
Wherever one looked, something fantastical was happening. A spot-on Captain Spaulding could be seen talking to a drooling and matted werewolf. A giggling group of grizzled clowns clustered around Jason Voorhees, chattering excitedly and posing for selfies together. Freddy Krueger stood with 3 other Freddy Kruegers, and everywhere one looked, it felt like a horror movie set. For those of us who thrive on the horror genre, it was an awesome event, one that is thankfully annual, so this writer is already preparing for next year! Until then, happy hauntings!
Written by Mandie Stevens
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