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
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.
You're never too young to become a zombie.
Zombie Disney guests are surprisingly common, but check out this guy's custom Mouse ears logo.
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."
And they're off...
Brainssss...
Cars are no match for zombies. (Or is it the other way around?)
The zombie walk and entire May-Hem event are treats for photographers.
Inside, a vendor room is filled with unique artwork, T-Shirts, and collectibles that almost exclusively involve horror themes.
A bust of Bill Hinzman was for sale among other memorabilia.Sometimes the spooky becomes sweet, like when artist Michael Banks (of sugarfueled.com) reimagined Disney's famous Hitchhiking Ghosts as cute little characters.
Rows of tattoo artists were inking people up nearly non-stop throughout the event.
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.
A familiar local icon showed up, Jack the clown from Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights event.
She's watching you.
Come get some.
Occasional photo-worthy "battles" break out in the halls. Trick 'r Treat!
Hail to the king - er, queen - baby.
This clown could give Jack a run for his makeup.
Silent Hill's nurses walk that fine line between sexy and sinister, mostly the latter.Two serial killers for the price of one.Under the sea.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.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.On to the celebrities, Linda Hamilton of "Terminator" fame was all smiles."Terminator 3" star Kristanna Loken was close by and popular.Not particularly connected to horror, Joey Lauren Adams is still memorable from her roles in "Mallrats" and "Chasing Amy."These creepy and kooky attendees were dressed to meet......John Astin, the original Gomez Addams.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.Thumbs up from "Monster Man" in a better-looking photo.Cleve's daughter Constance was there too.Celebrities also offer panel discussions and Q&A sessions, like here with Verne Troyer, Mini-Me from "Austin Powers."James Marsters always draws a crowd of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" fans.A popular spot throughout the event was the MuckleBones Monster Museum, hauled from one collector's house to the convention.Nope, not a costume. A statue. Lifelike, at that.Classic.Towering.But why is the rum gone?!These movie maniacs lost their heads.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.Inventive costumes continue at the pool party.There's plenty of lounging around.And bloody killer bunny rabbits armed with baseball bats. You know, the usual.Throw in a mermaid too - literally.Live music keeps the party rocking.Spooky Empire volunteers made sure May-Hem 2012 went off without a hitch, helpful and smiling all the way through.The same can't be said for the merchandise.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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