Wyndham Indianapolis West Hotel & Conference Center
2544 Executive Drive Indianapolis, IN 46241

July 1-3, 2011

http://www.daysofthedead.net/

Horror fans of all ages congregated for a weekend of celebrity appearances and revelry at the first ever Days of the Dead convention July 1st-3rd, 2011 at the Wyndham Hotel and Conference Center in Indianapolis, IN.  Although various celeb lineup changes disappointed some fans, loyal patrons to show organizer Adolfo Dorta braved the doubters to have an amazing time and meet their favorite horror genre stars. 

Festivities began Thursday evening with the Monsters of Rock show at the Melody Inn featuring Ari Lehman’s First Jason and Reggie Bannister.  With an appropriate preshow turnout, much was anticipated as Friday opened the doors to thousands of fans wanting to meet and greet their favorite horror movie stars.  Due to last minute changes in the lineup, many celebs did not make their initial appearance until Saturday, which was beneficial to those that purchased a weekend pass.  VIP admissions had sold out far in advance, but daily/weekend passes were still available at the door for $25 a day/$50 for the weekend.  Friday night featured movie screenings as well as "An Evening with Roddy Piper," in which he performed a stand up routine where he mostly reminisced about his days as a wrestler.  Friday night ended with traditional after partying, in which the convention halls were freely available allowing patrons the opportunity to mingle and explore.

Saturday night featured the debut of convention headliner Ace Frehley from the famous band KISS, and the line for his autograph session extended throughout the Wyndham hallways!  Although Ace was only scheduled for an allotted time, fans that received the opportunity to meet him were ecstatic from their brief encounter with a true legend of rock!  The convention halls heated up as they were filled with the typical Saturday convention rush, and both vendors and celebs were pleased with the turnout.  The most sought out celebrities included: Linea Quigley, Tom Sizemore, Heather Cowan, Heather Langenkamp, Bill Mosley, Ginger Lynn, Reggie Bannister, PJ Soles, Derek Mears, and of course, Ace Frehley.  Last minute additions Ashley C. Williams, John Dugan, and Miko Hughes went far from unnoticed, and many sought out B movie stars Camille Keaton, Jacob Reynolds, Jim O’Rear, Terrance Zdunich, J LaRose, and Nivek Ogre as well.  Saturday's itinerary also featured celeb Q & A’s, a tattoo contest, and a costume contest with a wide variety of participants.  The night ended with the Celebrity VIP party, the world’s longest Human Centipede of fifty patrons, the Girls and Corpses Beauty Pageant complete with a grand prize of appearing in the G & C magazine, etc.  The convention wound down Sunday as vendors and celebrities alike packed up to leave by mid afternoon. 

The Wyndham Hotel Indianapolis West is always a most hospitable place to hold conventions, highlighted by an abundance of space and courteous staff.  The Days of the Dead guides were also very friendly and worked hard to insure a great time was had by all!  Due to the success and praise received from this initial venture, Dorta has already announced he will be gearing up for two shows in March and July of 2012.  Overall, Days of the Dead amassed an epic time for fans of the horror genre, and there will be much to anticipate towards Dorta’s future projects.

By: Joanna Rose/Jim Massie - Ohio Valley Haunts