Midsummer Scream Highlights

If you're a haunt maker, planning a party with a spooky theme, or just want to have a refreshing alternative activity for summer, the Midsummer Scream is a place for connections, ideas, techniques and destinations.

I'm a Scaredy Cat. I scream at the teeniest tinyist thing. One might wonder why I end up in places like the Queen Mary's Dark Harbor (if you shop early, you can usually get discounted tickets), or in this case, the Midsummer Scream Halloween Festival! Oh, I don't know. I like to make things, and this is an opportunity to see the haunt makers, masters and performers in the daylight. I first heard about Midsummer Scream from the CalHauntS group some years ago as they prepped for the show. The CalHauntS folks are indie haunt makers, prop makers, set designers, electronics tinkerers who spend all year learning techniques and prepping for Halloween, that time when America seeks out haunting experiences. What better way to showcase what you can do? What better opportunity to develop your skills? Very often, the thought of doing a haunt has crossed my mind. Hm....

At the Midsummer Scream at the Long Beach Convention Center, there were booths with hands-on activities as you try out equipment, take classes and do crafts. I found two new providers to love! At the Hot Wire Foam Factory booth, I picked up some new equipment (foam cutters and carving tools) for prop-making at Makersville and some materials to create a paint-able, textured, hardened shell.

A few rows down I discovered Reynolds Advanced Materials, a great materials provider with a storefront in North Hollywood. Their product catalog was a dreamy mix of mold making powders and resins, and they give classes and provide services at their store. At their booth was Face-Off contestant, Nelson Cooper, working on a mask he'd been creating.

Hysterical! Love The Walking Dead? Then you would love the Zombie Apocalypse Shooting Gallery which reminisces of old fashioned arcades and traveling carnivals. Warning, if loud noises, bells, whistles and screams bother you, give this booth a wide berth. Check it out here.

In a large darkened hall, a number of mini-haunts were presented. Each was done by a haunt maker or group of haunt makers, I suspect many of them by CalHauntS members. A crowd gathered around the Decayed Brigade Sliders who can also be seen at the Queen Mary's Dark Harbor. Lines gathered at the entrance to each haunt.

Altogether, a very entertaining way to spend a summer weekend and get inspiration for your own haunt!