Article and photos copyright Suzanne Philips

September 28, 2012
Lexington, KY

You know when you have Jason machete-chop your black ribbon during your ribbon cutting ceremony, this is not going to be your run-of-the-mill convention. The 2012 Scarefest rolled into the Lexington Convention Center for the start of four days of panels, autograph signings, concerts, parties and more.

Starting with a short speech from the event organizers and the ribbon cutting, the celebs were presented on a black carpet to members of the press. And then the doors finally opened to attendees who were eagerly waiting to see their favorites. The Paranormal was represented in force with representatives from Octagon Hall, Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum and the Stanley Hotel talking about their haunted properties.

Josh Gates

Josh Gates from Syfy’s “Destination Truth” was a fan favorite and a huge line of people waited to meet the star and get a photo. Certainly the most popular booth today housed members of the “Ghost Adventures” Crew. Aaron Goodwin was there with fellow art collaborators Christian Gabriel and Adam Michaels selling some really cool new shirts and artwork.

Aaron Goodwin

Fellow GAC member Nick Groff brought clothing and his new book to sell, which won’t even be released in stores until next week. Rounding out the powerhouse section were Billy Tolley and wife Diana who had some great items for sale, including a limited supply of Isagenix Sleep Support and Renewal spray that Tolley swears by and attendees were fighting to get their hands on.

Nick Groff

Billy Tolley

Tomorrow starts bright and early with a full day of panels and ending with a first ever concert to round out the day. for more information on how to get your own ticket for tomorrow, check out www.scarefestcon.com

Article by Suzanne Philips

Photo copyright Travel Channel

Host Aaron Sagers and the reporters of “Paranormal Paparazzi”

It seems that every change of the channel can now put you in the middle of a Paranormal show, and with good reason.  A recent Gallup poll found that 3 in 4 Americans believe in the Paranormal. So it stands to reason that most networks have jumped on the bandwagon and are putting out shows on the subject.  Some of these shows are great and some….not so much.  Travel Channel and Producer Zak Bagans of “Ghost Adventures” fame are bringing out a show which premieres this Friday that takes a different look at the Paranormal.

“Paranormal Paparazzi” features a team of reporters that investigate the world of the unexplained, from reports of Bigfoot encounters to UFO abduction stories.  CFM spoke with “Paranormal Paparazzi” host Aaron Sagers to find out more about what we can expect from this new show.

The idea for the show came about very naturally.  “Zak Bagans and I have known each other for a couple years now, and when he was looking to put together a new project, he thought of me” said Sagers.  “He knows the TV business, and obviously knows about paranormal investigations, and I know about journalism and pop culture – and have spent a few years now specifically focusing on the “entertainment of the unexplained” at paranormalpopculture.com. So this project is really a natural fit for both of us.”

Realizing that there are numerous paranormal shows that a viewer can choose to watch, what makes “Paranormal Paparazzi” different? Sagers answers, “Ghost Adventures is great at what it does, and I don’t think Zak would ever want us to try and be like GA. Meanwhile, there are also a lot of other very cool paranormal shows out there – along with hit paranormal pop culture entries like “Walking Dead,” “True Blood,” the “Paranormal Activity” franchise.

I’m a fan of all of it, and will watch the movies, tune into the show and eat it all up. I love that I can watch Zak, Nick and Aaron Goodwin on TV investigating, then tune in to check out John Zaffis a few nights later – or that I can see an alien apocalypse with “Falling Skies” one night, and hit the theater to watch something like “Sinister” the next. We celebrate and cover all of it. So what Paranormal Paparazzi does is explore the culture of this unexplained world, from the believers to the skeptics to the celebrities who actually help create those movies and shows.”

Sagers goes on to say “We’re unique because we aren’t trying to convince people about the authenticity of the paranormal or not. We’re focused on the stories and the people involved. We are also not so much paranormal investigators as we are investigative journalists. And we also attempt to be the voice of the audience and say, “I don’t buy it” or “that’s friggin’ weird.” We are additionally different because we cover all components of the paranormal – ghosts, cryptozoology, ufology, zombies, apocalyptic cultures, you name it. We explore the entire environment of the unexplained. We shine a light on what goes bump in the night!”

With all of the talent and knowledge behind “Paranormal Paparazzi”, it looks like the Travel Channel will have another Paranormal hit on their hands!  Check out “Paranormal Paparazzi” when it premieres on the Travel Channel this Friday at 7pm.

Article and Photos by Suzanne Philips

Aaron Goodwin

The 2012 Scarefest starts this Friday in at the Lexington Convention Center in Lexington, Kentucky and a host of Paranormal Celebrities will be on hand. One of the biggest draws for the Con is “Ghost Adventures” Star Aaron Goodwin.

Goodwin will be hosting a booth at Scarefest with Artists Christian Gabriel and Adam Michaels where they will be selling their artwork and Aaron’s Big Steppin collection. The trio will also be hosting a panel on Saturday, September 29th at 6:15pm in the Heritage Ballroom entitled “Aaron’s Nightmares”.

Aaron Goodwin with fans at the 2012 Las Vegas Paracon

If you still haven’t gotten tickets for the Scarefest, head over to www.scarefestcon.com.

For more information on Aaron Goodwin and his Big Steppin Collection, visit www.agoodwincollections.com.

Article and photos copyright Suzanne Philips/ Book cover Copyright NAL/Penguin

Nick Groff

“Ghost Adventures” Star Nick Groff is hitting the 2012 Scarefest in full force. Groff’s new book “Chasing Spirits: The Building of the Ghost Adventures Crew” will be debuting at the Con and will be available for fans to purchase and have signed at the event.

“Chasing Spirits” gives readers a behind-the-scenes view into the forming of the Ghost Adventures Crew.  Groff offers a look into his personal background in both life and the paranormal as well as taking the reader on the ride to get both the original documentary and the hugely successful Travel Channel series “Ghost Adventures” off the ground.  The book will take readers into the struggles to film the original documentary on a shoestring budget and the changes it took to turn the project into a weekly show.  For fans of the wildly popular show, it is a look into how Zak, Nick and Aaron met and became partners and for anyone interested in film and television projects, it is a look into the in’s and out’s of trying to get a project off the ground.  The book is well written and doesn’t pull any punches.  Groff is simply relating events as they happened and one gets the sense that if you went up to him and asked him to tell you the story, this is exactly how he would relate it.  The book should be a great read for anyone who is already a fan of the show or those looking to learn more about the paranormal.  Another great feature of the book is the “Questions Fans Ask” sidebars in which Groff addresses some of the more commonly asked fan questions in each chapter.  Additional features include a history of some of the locations the Ghost Adventures Crew has investigated , a Paranormal Investigation Equipment section which details numerous pieces of investigative equipment and the of history about each item, and the Appendix, which lists a host of paranormal websites and investigators for those who are interested in learning more.  “Chasing Spirits: The Building of the Ghost Adventures Crew” is a “must-read” for any fan of the show and anyone interested in the paranormal.  The book is published by New American Library/Penguin Books and will be released on October 2nd, but attendees of the 2012 Scarefest can have the opportunity to pick up their copy of the book at the Lexington, Kentucky event from September 28th-30th.

Scarefest attendees will also have the opportunity to see Nick Groff perform live songs from his CD “The Other Side” at the First Annual Scarefest Concert on Saturday, September 29th at the Lexington Convention Center.  Groff will also be around the entire weekend at the Scarefest Expo meeting fans and signing autographs.

For more information on the Scarefest or to pick up tickets visit www.scarefestcon.com.  For more information on how to order Nick Groff’s CD “The Other Side”, check out http://www.dannybedrosian.com/theotherside.html.

For more information on how to pre-order “Chasing Spirits” check out http://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Spirits-Building-Ghost-Adventures/dp/045141344X.

Suit up with alternate costumes for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes based on their cinematic look!

Captain America and Hulk are now available in their “Marvel’s The Avengers” costumes! You can see both costumes, along with all the other “Marvel’s The Avengers” suits available in “Marvel: Avengers Alliance,”directly below. But remember, these limited-edition alternate costumes are only available until September 30!

Captain America (“Marvel’s The Avengers” alternate costume) in “Marvel: Avengers Alliance”

To celebrate the Blu-ray release of “Marvel’s The Avengers” on September 25, you can once again get alternate costumes from the film in “Marvel: Avengers Alliance” for a limited time!

Team up alongside your favorite Avengers with movie-inspired costumes that not only match the look and feel of their suits from “Marvel’s The Avengers,” but also provide unique power-ups and in-game bonuses.

While equipped, these alternate costumes have the ability to change your character’s class and, with two Avengers in your party, they can perform a Coordinated Attack or Coordinated Defense when attacked.

Alternate costumes are currently available for Black Widow, Hawkeye, Iron Man and Thor, and keep your eyes on Marvel.com for news on more! Play “Marvel: Avengers Alliance” now and suit up with these alternate costumes quick, as they’ll only be available until September 30!

Warner Bros.has a design competition for Characters, Creatures, Weapons and Locations of “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”.

Warner Bros. has kicked off a design competition in anticipation of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

They are asking for submissions of artworks in four different categories: Characters, Creatures, Weapons and Locations.

The judges, John Howe, Alan Lee and Weta’s own Richard Taylor will choose one lucky winner in each category who will win a swag of incredible merchandise from the sponsors, worth approximately $2,000 (USD). Runners-up will also be richly rewarded.

Read more and Enter!

Article by Suzanne Philips/Photo copyright Syfy

Josh Gates

Scarefest 2012 in Lexington, Kentucky will be full of great Horror and Paranormal Guests when it hits town from September 27-30th.  Scarefest is happy to welcome “Destination Truth” star Josh Gates to this year’s con.

Josh Gates is the charismatic star of Syfy’s popular show “Destination Truth”, which follows Gates and his team around the globe to try to prove or disprove paranormal, supernatural and cryptozoological claims.  The show premiered in 2007 and is a fan-favorite.

Gates will be appearing at Scarefest on Friday and Saturday, September 28th and 29th and will be greeting fans, posing for photographs and signing copies of his book “Destination Truth: Memoirs of A Monster Hunter” as well as appearing at the Heritage Ballroom on Saturday at 12:45pm for a Q&A session.

If you still need to get tickets for Scarefest, check out www.scarefestcon.com.

Article by Suzanne Philips/photo Copyright Scarefest

2012 marks the 50 year anniversary of the release of Anthony Burgess’ novel “A Clockwork Orange”, and Scarefest 2012 is helping to celebrate both the book and the film adaptation with a special screening of the film hosted by star Malcolm McDowell.

McDowell will be at Scarefest, one of the largest Horror and Paranormal conventions in the U.S., from Friday, September 28th through Sunday, September 30th.  He will have merchandise and autographs available for purchase at his booth in the main expo hall.  One of the special events of the weekend will be the screening of the film, which McDowell will introduce.  The screening of “A Clockwork Orange” will take place on Saturday, September 29th at 9:30 pm at the Cinemark Fayette Mall Theatres.  McDowell will introduce the film and host a short Q&A session, which will be followed by a screening of the legendary film.  Tickets to the screening are $20 each and are available in limited quantities.  Tickets can be purchased at http://www.ghosthuntershop.com/malcolm-mcdowell-hosting-a-clockwork-orange-screening.html while they last.

For more information on Scarefest or the other special guests and events happening during that weekend, check out www.scarefestcon.com.

The Cast of “Sons of Anarchy” Talks Season 5.

Article and Photos copyright Suzanne Philips

The cast and creator of the hit FX show “Sons of Anarchy” rolled into the 2012 Comic Con in San Diego to discuss the amazing success of the show and what is in store for Season 5.  The popularity of the show was evident in force at the annual convention for comic and entertainment fans.  Sons of Anarchy shirts and biker gear was everywhere at this year’s event and it reflects how the show has gathered a diverse fanbase. There was a packed autograph signing on the main convention floor and a panel with all of the cast in the huge Hall H at the San Diego Convention Center – an honor normally reserved for huge film panels and long-established TV shows.

Cast members Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal, Ron Perlman, Theo Rossi, Kim Coates, Mark Boone Junior, Tommy Flanagan, Maggie Siff, Ryan Hurst, Dayton Callie and creator Kurt Sutter sat down to discuss the upcoming explosive fifth season and where there characters are headed.

Ryan Hurst

After all of the turmoil of last season, many of the characters in the show are in a period of adjustment. Ryan Hurst who plays fan-favorite Opie says that “Opie is still grieving over his father and is coming to terms with the club and where he fits in, and in the first couple of episodes we will see where that goes.”  Kim Coates feels that his character “Tig is really off the leash now.  The leash was really with Clay the first couple of season and then Clay started to lie to Tig.  Tig wasn’t sure where he was going last year – with Jax and the club he is literally off the leash. The way it ended last year – why do I always kill the wrong girl?” Coates laughs.  “I think this season is going to be pretty dramatic for Tig and pretty upsetting for Tig and a lot of shit goes down.”

Kim Coates

Theo Rossi

Theo Rossi’s character Juice had a crazy time last season and that will continue this year “The show is so filled with secrets, everybody has these massive secrets.  Juice is so confused. Tig is off the leash and Opie left and wasn’t at the table.  Juice is there but he is hiding this huge thing with killing Miles and working with the ATF.  It’s just about secrets and what comes out and what doesn’t and this is a guy who is so confused at this point and he is super vulnerable to anything that can happen. He wants to go back to being that fun-loving guy but at the same time the clown is crying on the inside.”

Tommy Flanagan

Tommy Flanagan who plays Chibs is the new Sargent at Arms in the Sons.  “Clay kind of saved Chibs in the backstory in Ireland and Jax was just a young kid when he came to the club.  Chibs kind of sees Jax as his son.  Clay has done so much shit that it is hard to stay “Team Clay” though he does have some loyalty to him.  But he is definitely on Jax’s side.”

Mark Boone Junior

Mark Boone Junior who plays Bobby on the show says that his character “Bobby has always been seemingly the level-headed member of this idiot’s band.  I guess that is destined to continue, unless he somehow goes off the rails.  Bobby has always been standing in for what the club needs and he will continue to do so.”

Kurt Sutter and Theo Rossi

Creator Kurt Sutter talks about the tumultuous relationship between Tara (Maggie Siff) and Gemma (Katey Sagal) “The interesting thin about Tara and Gemma this season is the push and pull of a mother-daughter relationship. It’s this daughter who is trying to exercise her own control and become her own person in this family structure. And you have this mother who is threatened by that, who wants to be part of that, who tries to insert herself in that.  And it’s really sort of a back and forth.  It really changes from episode to episode. I think that is really the balance that is going on between them this season”.  Katey Sagal agrees “I think Gemma loves Tara very, very much and at the same time I think she is threatened by her position, that Tara might be taking over Gemma’s position. They love each other, then they are fighting and then they love each other again.”

Katey Sagal

Maggie Siff

Maggie Siff says of her character Tara “One of the nice things in this story is playing a love story as old as it is.  They are high school sweethearts.  I have always felt that there is something about this that trumps everything else.  You know she can’t walk away from it and that’s the truth. It’s also where she comes from.  She is such an orphan character that in a way this is the only family she has and it’s almost the only family she has ever known.  There is this attachment to Jax and also to Gemma I think – it’s family, it’s who she is and it’s all she has.”

Charlie Hunnam

Charlie Hunnam says that now that Jax has moved into the position of running the club “I think the moment when I sat down at the end of last season when I sat down and assumed the position of president, there was kind of a tangible excitement among the guys – a feeling that we were moving into a new chapter of the show.”  Ron Perlman chimed in “Don’t get used to that chair” – just sayin.”

Ron Perlman

“Clay only knows of one way and that is to be on top, he takes a back seat to no one, he takes orders from no one.  He lets no one else set the agenda” continues Perlman. “We see him at the beginning of Season 5 and everything that he has ever worked for in his life has been taken from him, except his life.  He is wife-less, he is president-less, he has lost the respect and trust of his crew and family.  He literally starts off with nothing but has to wonder – why the fuck would you leave me alive, you know I’m coming back.  What’s amazing for me is that I am getting to play the exact same human being in a different set of circumstances.  What Kurt has given me to play this season is so much fun.  Where we are going I am not really sure, but I do know that it is going to be fraught with tension and wonderment as to whether if it is possible what Clay is dreaming for himself – or re-dreaming for himself.  He is a guy who just – unless I’m dead, I ain’t stopping.  So there you have it Mr. Teller – don’t get used to that chair, bro!”

Charlie Hunnam, Maggie Siff and Kurt Sutter

Another thing that makes this show so unique is the relationships that the actors share.  They truly are a family of sorts and this mirrors the relationships their characters have onscreen. Theo Rossi echoes that “The greatest thing about this show is that we get to work together for another season.  It was proven again last night at one of these ridiculous Hollywood parties.  A lot of these shoes these people don’t even talk to each other, they don’t hang out together, they don’t walk in together, they don’t do anything.  We not only just like hang out and love each other, we live, bleed and work together.  I know people say that and make all that bullshit thing but it’s a lie.  I saw it again last night which is why we only lasted 15 minutes at the party.  We hang out together, we like being together, we respect each other, we love each other’s work.  These two characters (Tig and Opie) they are my two favorite characters on the show.  I won’t say that if I am at another table with other guys, these truly are. They are the most complex, the most interesting.  We all feel that way about it.  It’s such an ode to Kurt and what he has done.  He has created all these great characters.”

Kim Coats sums it up “What’s different about this season is that we are looking at the table through a different lens.  When you sit down at the table the first time this year and Clay is not there – it’s just weird.”  Rossi agrees  “It’s completely different.  It is different – it feels different and it fuels what every character feels and it’s like , ok… here we go.”

Season 5 of “Sons of Anarchy” will feature guest stars such as Jimmy Smits, Joel McHale, and Harold Perrineau.  Kurt Sutter promises a crazy, explosive season and you can check out brand new episodes of “Sons of Anarchy” which air on FX starting Tuesday, September 11th.

Article by Suzanne Philips/Photo and Bio courtesy Christian Gabriel

Christian Gabriel (copyright Christian Gabriel)

As the 2012 Scarefest rapidly approaches, we are profiling some of the special guests that you can expect to see at the convention.  Next up is Artist Christian Gabriel.

Christian Gabriel, also known as “Christian Gabriel Fazio” evolved from the cold unforgiving streets of Amityville, NY. Coming from a family of artists, he grew up drawing his favorite comic book heroes and cartoons. During his teenage years, he moved to Las Vegas where he would soon enlist in the Marine Corps. It wasn’t until he was deployed to Iraq in 2005 that would stare death in the face for the first time and that’s when he truly gained ample respect for the departed. He currently resides in Las Vegas.

Christian will be at the Aaron Goodwin Collections Booth selling his artwork and also will be featured in a panel at 6:15 pm on Saturday September 29th in the Heritage Ballroom with Aaron Goodwin and Adam Michaels entitled “Aaron’s Nightmares”.  Scarefest 2012 runs September 28-30th at the Lexington Convention Center in Lexington, Kentucky.  For tickets or more information go to http://www.scarefestcon.com/.

You can check out Christian’s amazing artwork at http://www.christiangabrielart.com/.

Article by Suzanne Philips

Photo copyright Warner Bros.

Tony Todd

Veteran Actor Tony Todd has had a career delighting fans in both tv and films for over 20 years.  Fans will recognize him from such projects as “Final Destination 5” and shows such as “Chuck” and “24”. Todd will be appearing at the 2012 Scarefest in Lexington, Kentucky from September 28th – 30th.

Scarefest will be welcoming Horror and Paranormal Celebs for a 3 day convention which will feature concerts, panels, autograph signings and more.  For tickets and more information on the convention check out www.scarefestcon.com

Paranormal Celebrities from “Ghost Adventures”, “Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files”, “Haunted Collector”, “Ghost Hunters Academy”, “Paranormal Challenge” and more attend the 1st annual Las Vegas Paracon at Historic Bonnie Springs Ranch

September 3, 2012- Las Vegas, Nevada

Article and photos copyright Suzanne Philips

David Dossett, Jason Gates, Ben Hansen, Julie Krystina, Zak Bagans, Aaron Goodwin, Heathyr Hoffman, Dakota Laden at the 2012 Las Vegas Paracon

Labor Day Weekend 2012 welcomed the first annual Las Vegas Paracon to historic Bonnie Springs Ranch just outside Las Vegas, Nevada. Bonnie Springs Ranch is found on the site of an old stop on the Spanish Trail where travelers would stop to buy water on their way to California.  Many of the buildings in this re-created town were relocated to Bonnie Springs from various destinations and are said by many to be haunted.  What better place to bring together a host of Paranormal Celebrities and Investigators from all over the world to talk about the Paranormal and discuss new equipment and techniques?

The 2012 Las Vegas Paracon began on Friday, August 31st with a meet and greet and an opportunity to peruse the tables in the vendor hall and pick up some new equipment or get an autograph from a favorite Paranormal celeb. Held in the Bonnie Springs Ranch Saloon, stars like “Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files”‘s Ben Hansen and “Ghost Hunters Academy”‘s Rosalyn Bown and Heathyr Hoffman mingled with fans and old friends.  Michael and Lindsay Knight of the well-known radio show “The Paranormal and Beyond” provided music for the meet and greet and kept everything running smoothly on the electronic front. Attendees relished the opportunity to pick up their commemorative shirts and memorabilia and to get some ideas on new equipment and new ways to investigate.  Bonnie Springs Ranch provided food and beverages for sale and the entire evening had a very relaxed and inviting feel.

Actor David Dossett who you have seen in numerous television shows and who is a member of the TAPS West Coast Team, was a big fan favorite at the meet and greet.  David is a serious investigator and attendees lined up to talk to him and get a photo or an autograph and discuss the Paranormal with him.

David Dossett and Suzanne Philips

Saturday saw the first day of September and a jam-packed day at the 2012 Las Vegas Paracon.  Paracon Organizers Brian, Linda and David Purdy took to the stage to welcome all the guests.  Ben Hansen also made a short introduction and made way for the day’s festivities to begin.  “Angry” Joe Tasso, who visitors will most likely remember from the “Ghost Adventures”episode that was filmed at Bonnie Springs took to the stage and gave attendees a detailed history of the property.

“Angry” Joe Tasso

“The Paranormal and Beyond’s” Hosts Michael and Lindsay Knight discussed their show and a project that is near and dear to their hearts, The Sisterhood and Brotherhood of Paranormal Alliance.  The Alliance is composed of several paranormal investigative groups in Nevada, Texas and Kentucky and is quickly spreading to other states.  The Alliance works on Paranormal projects and is hoping to help groups be able to combine to investigate places they might not normally be able to afford or have access to.  One of the projects that they are currently working on is saving Goldfield, Nevada, which was discussed in detail by guest Justin Cimock of GTOPS (Ghost Town Operations). (For more information on the Alliance or The Paranormal and Beyond, check out KnightsParanormalResearchSociety.com)

Justin, John and Dan from Ghost Town Operations

Most people who are interested in the Paranormal are familiar with Goldfield.  For investigators, it is a sacred place and has been featured on many shows such as “Ghost Adventures” and “Ghost Hunters”.  Once a booming mining town, Goldfield has fallen into disrepair and the buildings are falling down on their foundations.  GTOPS in conjunction with the Goldfield Historic District is currently working on an effort to save the town and they are starting with the Goldfield High School.  Through innovative programs such as their popular “Dinner With A Ghost” (which allows attendees to enjoy a gourmet dinner in the Schoolhouse and a Paranormal Investigation after) and their buy a brick program, the group is seeking to raise funds by the end of 2012 to remodel the school.  They are also putting on a “Paranormous” weekend October 27th and 28th which will feature food, drinks, Paranormal Investigations in numerous locations throughout the town and a huge costume ball just in time for Halloween. (For more information on the effort to save Goldfield, check out Goldfieldhistoricdistrict.org).

After a short break to grab a bite to eat, the forums continued in the Saloon.  Internet and You Tube superstar Dakota Laden was a huge favorite and one of the speakers that people wanted to see most.  Dakota shot to fame after becoming a You Tube sensation with his self-produced videos and short films, his most popular being his spoofs of “Ghost Adventures”.  One of these videos caught the eye of Zak Bagans, Nick Groff and Aaron Goodwin , the Ghost Adventures Crew, and led to Dakota winning the “Ghost Adventures Mashup Contest”.  As the winner, Dakota and his father were invited to come and investigate with the crew at the Old Charleston Jail in Charleston, South Carolina.  Dakota produced a video montage just for the 2012 Las Vegas Paracon and the audience was loving it.  Dakota has a huge Twitter and Facebook following and two of his fans showed up just to get a chance to meet the teen sensation.  Organizer Linda Purdy saw how much they were hoping to meet Dakota and comped them tickets to get into the vendor hall and introduced them to Laden, much to their delight!

Dakota Laden (photo copyright Larry Cunningham)

Syd Schultz who has been seen on shows such as “Ghost Hunters” and “Ghost Adventures” presented a Paranormal Bootcamp and despite some technical glitches, attendees learned a lot from his informative presentation.  Schultz also helped lead part of the night’s Paranormal investigation and offered helpful insights into techniques for investigating and shared his vast experience with guests.  If you get a chance to investigate with Schulz, don’t miss out!  You will certainly learn something new and find out the best ways to use equipment you already have.

Rosalyn Bown

Many will remember Rosalyn Bown from “Ghost Hunters Academy”, but few people have an idea what a great investigator she truly is.  Bown was a huge supporter of the Paracon and jumped in all weekend to help out wherever she was needed.  Not only did she give a fantastic talk, she also helped lead one of the nighttime investigations and was helping out attendees with advice on how to use their equipment most effectively and tips for investigating.

Zak Bagans

Linda Purdy, Aaron Goodwin, Brian Purdy and David Purdy

One of the great things about the Paranormal community is that you never know what to expect and the 2012 Las Vegas Paracon was no exception.  Attendees were thrilled when “Ghost Adventures” stars Zak Bagans and Aaron Goodwin stopped by to visit with friends like Dakota Laden and Julie Krystina from Paranormal Hot Squad.  The guys spent over an hour visiting with attendees, posing for photos and checking out the great items offered by all of the vendors.  Zak and Aaron were very down to earth and relaxed and offered a special unexpected treat to everyone at the Paracon.

Brian Purdy, Zak Bagans and David Purdy

Zak Bagans, Ben Hansen and Aaron Goodwin

“Haunted Collector” star Jason Gates was also gracious enough to come to the Paracon and sign autographs for fans and lead an amazing Paranormal Investigation on the property.  He and girlfriend Amanda Lynn Hill, who is also an amazing investigator, stayed up investigating until well into the night, to delight of the fans in attendance.

Brian Purdy, Jason Gates, Amanda Lynn Hills and Linda Purdy

Jason Musgrove from Outer Edge Paranormal also mingled with attendees and discussed some new Paranormal Equipment as well as discussing his upcoming show, in which he investigates by himself in haunted locations.

Jason Musgrove, Amanda Lynn Hills, Zak Bagans and David Dossett review evidence and new equipment

When the panels resumed, author Jeff Mudgett spoke to a packed house about his new book “Bloodstains”.  The book, about Mudgett’s Great, Great Grandfather H.H. Holmes (Herman Mudgett) who is credited as being the country’s first serial killer.  Holmes murdered hundreds of young women during the Worlds Fair in Chicago and owned the notorious “Murder Castle”.  Mudgett’s book explains how he found out that he was related to such a man and evidence he uncovered that may prove that Holmes was indeed Jack the Ripper.  Mudgett sold copies of his book and talked about upcoming film and television projects to look out for in the future.

Heathyr Hoffman

“Ghost Hunters Academy” star Heathyr Hoffman was busy during the Paracon. Not only did she give a great discussion, she was also selling some handmade jewelry, signing autographs and doing Tarot Card Readings!  Heathyr also made time to lead one of the nighttime Paranormal investigations in the wax museum at Bonnie Springs, which is said to be one of the most haunted locations on the property.

“Psychic Kids” star Travis Michael Hill not only gave a discussion but was completely booked up with psychic readings during the event.  Travis is an amazing human being and attendees raved about his accuracy in his readings.  One of the most positive people you could hope to meet, Travis is currently working on “The Travis Hill Project” and CFM will have more details for you soon so check back with us for all of the details!

Keynote Speaker Ben Hansen wrapped up the days panels with a fantastic talk on his Syfy show “Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files”, UFO’s, Paranormal investigating and much more.  Ben was very engaging and captivated the audience from start to finish.  His panel was certainly the best way to end the event and left all of the guests wanting more.

After a short break, guests were able to bid on great singed items and Paranormal equipment before the nighttime investigations began.  Groups rotated through several locations at Bonnie Springs Ranch including the Opera House, the Wax Museum, the Saloon, the Schoolhouse and the Museum with one of the great celebrity guests.  Both newcomers and season investigators mingled together to see what evidence they could get from this awesome location and investigation went on late into Sunday morning.

Beth from Australia

The 2012 Las Vegas Paracon was definitely the best of what the Paranormal field has to offer.  Groups of people from around the world, like Beth who came all the way from Australia!, mingled with each other, shared knowledge had a good time and investigated together without egos or prejudices.  Throw in all of the Paranormal Celebrities who showed up and showed their support, and you know that Organizers David, Linda and Brian Purdy are definitely doing something right.

If you missed the 2012 Las Vegas Paracon, don’t worry – plans are already underway for next year’s event.  Keep in touch with all of the news on Facebook at The Las Vegas Paracon and keep checking back with CFM for more updates as they are released!