Author: Jorge Perez
The Oddity and Fear Fest is not merely an event; it’s a captivating realm for those drawn to the peculiar and the mysterious. Set against a backdrop of haunting melodies and iconic cinematic memorabilia, this fest offers a unique blend of the eerie, the whimsical, and the downright fascinating. As I delved deeper into its offerings, I encountered various attractions, from undead musicians to iconic horror movie props and passionate vendors showcasing their macabre masterpieces. Every corner of the fest promised a discovery, a story waiting to be told, and an unforgettable experience.
As I ventured further into the fest, the vibrant stalls and their enthusiastic proprietors beckoned. Among them, one of the first vendors I had the pleasure of speaking with, was Eric Eisenberg of The Chronosmith Workshop. His booth showcased custom-made spice grinders, uniquely adorned with old clock pieces. When asked about his inspiration, Eric enthusiastically shared, “I’ve always been obsessed with steampunk; the old world meets the future. That’s kind of what they thought the future would look like, you know, big steam engines, and I just fell in love with it.” He excitedly explained how a personal project turned into a business venture, “So I decided to make myself a steampunk grinder. Then my friend came by, and he goes, ‘Hey man can you make me one?’ and then another friend and then another friend, then 30 people later, now I make these.”
As I continued my exploration, a sign caught my eye: “Ritualistic Self Care.” This led me to Lark & Rue, where Kaitlyn Clark offered handcrafted soaps with intriguing names like “Spicy Witch” and “Midnight Thought,” as well as “Haunted Bath bombs.” Kaitlyn’s journey into self-care began as a personal challenge to find stillness. She explained, “I started by taking a bath to kind of force myself to slow down and stop multitasking. You can’t do much else in the bath, right?” As for her designs, Kaitlyn revealed that music played a significant role, “For me, inspiration often comes from the music I’m listening to. It’s either sometimes in the lyrics that I’m listening to or just the way it’s making me feel in the moment.”
Amidst the myriad of oddities, a haunting melody echoed through the venue. The source? Johnny Hopeless, the undead sensation. Dressed like a zombie, Johnny combined music and comedy to deliver spine-tingling entertainment. His performances were scheduled throughout the day. He captivated attendees with his decaying charm and ghoulish wit, proving that the show must go on even in the afterlife. His macabre melodies and dark humor resonated with the living and the dearly departed, making him a standout attraction at the event.
One of the most eye-catching displays at the fest was an antique car that wasn’t just any old vehicle. It was Christine, the 1958 Plymouth Fury, immortalized in the 1983 American horror novel by Stephen King and the subsequent film adaptation. From the day she rolled off the assembly line, Christine was known for her malevolent nature, having injured an inspector and taken the life of a worker who dared to drop cigar ashes on her seat. With her jealous and possessive personality, this car has a dark influence on its owner and anyone connected to it. The tagline, “She’ll possess you. Then destroy you. She’s death on wheels,” perfectly encapsulates her sinister essence. This iconic piece of cinematic history drew crowds, with many attendees pausing to admire and snap photos of the malevolent automobile. Its presence added a touch of nostalgic horror to the event, serving as a chilling reminder of a tale where machinery takes on a life of its own.
The beauty of The Oddity and Fear Fest lies not just in the unique artifacts and creations on display but in the stories and passions of the individuals behind them. Each vendor’s distinct narrative and craft contributes to a larger story of human expression and fascination with the unknown. It also provides a window to explore what type of person they are.
While my initial intent was to focus on a few vendors, the sheer variety and richness of the convention compelled me to expand my review. The Oddity and Fear Fest wasn’t just about buying and selling; it was a celebration of the macabre, the eerie, and the unique. From undead musicians to iconic horror movie props, the fest offered a diverse range of attractions that catered to all tastes. Whether you were there to shop, explore, or soak in the spooky atmosphere, there was something for everyone.
As I left the event, I was reminded of our world’s rich tapestry of creativity and individuality. The Oddity and Fear Fest blends individual creativity with a collective passion for the unusual. Joining a gathering of souls drawn to the peculiar and the eerie is a heartwarming way to embrace the wonders of the Spooky Season.
Eager to delve deeper into the world of the odd and eerie? Take advantage of the next Oddity and Fear Fest!
Check out our gallery photos below!
