Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012 summoned more horrific happiness to Orlando with monster museum, plenty of partying

in Entertainment, Events, Movies

Spooky Empire recently wrapped up its second-annual May-Hem event, keeping Halloween fans at bay until haunt season rolls around after summer ends. Though the overall theme focuses on the spookier side of things, with attendees showing up in creepy costumes and plenty of macabre merchandise to be found, the celebrities who came out for this year’s event spanned all media types, not only including roles in horror, but also action, comedy, reality TV and even a bit of rock ‘n’ roll.

The unique highlight of May-Hem 2012 was the Mucklebones Monster Museum, owned and displayed by a local private collector of horror displays, featuring lifelike and life-sized versions of Frankenstein’s monster, Dracula, the Mummy, and more of Universal’s classic monsters plus a few more contemporary characters.

It was all part of the event that took place at the Wyndham Orlando Resort from May 25-27, 2012 on International Drive, highlighted in the video and photos below.


Video: Spooky Empire’s May-Hem 2012


Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
As with most Spooky Empire events, May-Hem 2012 began with a zombie walk down International Drive. Artists were on hand to make over anyone needing to become undead.

Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
You're never too young to become a zombie.

Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
Zombie Disney guests are surprisingly common, but check out this guy's custom Mouse ears logo.

Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
This year's zombie walk was special, honoring the memory of the late Bill Hinzman, a Spooky Empire regular who played the 'original' zombie in "Night of the Living Dead."

Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
And they're off...

Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
Brainssss...

Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
Cars are no match for zombies. (Or is it the other way around?)

Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
The zombie walk and entire May-Hem event are treats for photographers.

Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
Inside, a vendor room is filled with unique artwork, T-Shirts, and collectibles that almost exclusively involve horror themes.

Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
A bust of Bill Hinzman was for sale among other memorabilia.
Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
Sometimes the spooky becomes sweet, like when artist Michael Banks (of sugarfueled.com) reimagined Disney's famous Hitchhiking Ghosts as cute little characters.

Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
Rows of tattoo artists were inking people up nearly non-stop throughout the event.

Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
Many arrive to Spooky Empire's events in elaborate costumes, often relating to the celebrities who appear. This "Terminator" fan was dressed to impress Sarah Connor actress Linda Hamilton.

Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
A familiar local icon showed up, Jack the clown from Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights event.

Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
She's watching you.

Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
Come get some.

Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
Occasional photo-worthy "battles" break out in the halls. Trick 'r Treat!

Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
Hail to the king - er, queen - baby.

Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
This clown could give Jack a run for his makeup.

Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
Silent Hill's nurses walk that fine line between sexy and sinister, mostly the latter.
Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
Two serial killers for the price of one.
Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
Under the sea.
Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
Not all attendees wear costumes to honor appearing celebrities. This fan was ready for KISS rocker Ace Frehley to sign his arm - so he could get the signature tattooed.
Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
That tattoo is the only proof I have that Frehley was indeed at the May-Hem event, as he was tucked away behind black curtains for the duration.
Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
On to the celebrities, Linda Hamilton of "Terminator" fame was all smiles.
Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
"Terminator 3" star Kristanna Loken was close by and popular.
Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
Not particularly connected to horror, Joey Lauren Adams is still memorable from her roles in "Mallrats" and "Chasing Amy."
Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
These creepy and kooky attendees were dressed to meet...
Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
...John Astin, the original Gomez Addams.
Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
Oddly enough, of all the photos taken at Spooky Empire's May-Hem event, this image of "Monster Man" Cleve Hall was the only one blown out. I blame his evil glare.
Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
Thumbs up from "Monster Man" in a better-looking photo.
Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
Cleve's daughter Constance was there too.
Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
Celebrities also offer panel discussions and Q&A sessions, like here with Verne Troyer, Mini-Me from "Austin Powers."
Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
James Marsters always draws a crowd of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" fans.
Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
A popular spot throughout the event was the MuckleBones Monster Museum, hauled from one collector's house to the convention.
Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
Nope, not a costume. A statue. Lifelike, at that.
Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
Classic.
Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
Towering.
Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
But why is the rum gone?!
Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
These movie maniacs lost their heads.
Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
No Spooky Empire event would be complete without a pool party, attended by celebrities (like John Astin here) and Spooky Empire's own Petey Mongelli.
Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
Inventive costumes continue at the pool party.
Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
There's plenty of lounging around.
Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
And bloody killer bunny rabbits armed with baseball bats. You know, the usual.
Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
Throw in a mermaid too - literally.
Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
Live music keeps the party rocking.
Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
Spooky Empire volunteers made sure May-Hem 2012 went off without a hitch, helpful and smiling all the way through.
Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
The same can't be said for the merchandise.
Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012
Next up... Spooky Empire's Ultimate Horror Weekend in October, followed by a bigger-than-ever May-Hem event in 2013.

Though this was by no means Spooky Empire’s final event in Orlando, it was the last time one will be held at the Wyndam Orlando Resort, which is set to close later this year to be replaced by a retail and dining complex. Beginning in October, Spooky Empire’s Ultimate Horror Weekend and May-Hem events will be held further south on International Drive at the Hilton Orlando, a far nicer home for the frequently fun festivities.

More photos from Spooky Empire May-Hem 2012:
(Photos by Ricky Brigante and Michael Gavin)

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