All schedules are subject to change without notice. Please note that for 2024 we have added space on the second floor, so locations are noted as Meeting Room 2 or Meeting Room 9. All seminars, podcasts and classes on this schedule are FREE to all Scarefest Weekend ticket holders unless noted otherwise.
This Psychic Life: Recognizing, Growing, and Protecting Your Spiritual Gifts
Have you have often thought that you may have some abilities, higher intuition, see the world as others do not, or you just tend to know things that you shouldn’t? Then this is the perfect seminar for you. Whether you are a beginner or a long time metaphysical worker, this “how to” seminar will touch on subjects and tools of the trade that all of us can find useful and interesting to have in our metaphysical or paranormal toolbox. Come hear about my personal experiences from growing up as a psychic medium, and what advice and knowledge I have gathered throughout the years that has helped me in all the crazy encounters I have experienced.
Introduction to Cosplay Prosthetics
Slashes and gashes and gouges, Oh My! Learn the basics of creating your own prosthetic makeup appliances. From wounds and horror to zombies and scifi, we get you started with DIY, kitchen table techniques. This class is specifically geared towards cosplayers and independent film makers working with readily obtainable materials and operating on a budget. Add that extra level to your cosplay! We want you to leave the class ready to create! In this hands-on class, students will receive a pre-made prosthetic, apply it and paint it. You’ll also learn how to create prosthetics on your own.
2 HOUR CLASS…ROB WILL WORK WITH YOU IF YOU HAVE PHOTO OPS THAT CONFLICT WITH THE TIME!
The Battletown Witch
I am the founder of the Battletown Witch Festival in Meade County, KY. We have a festival around Leah Smock (the Battletown Witch). We tell the complete and historically accurate story of the last witch burned in America. We also talk about the strange lore in and around Meade County. We have found Viking Stones, Giant Bones, First People ceremonial sites, UFO sightings, Big Foot Sightings, and so much more.
The Mary Luck Tales: Witch’s Curse
I will discuss the years of research I did in order to write my novel. I unearthed a treasure trove of information on the Appalachian mountains and the rich heritage of superstition, folklore, medicines, burial rites, and the belief in witches, haints and all sorts of spooks. I will discuss the early settlers who came to America to flee from religious persecution and the witch finder general, only to be once again shunned and sought out only for medical help or more nefarious reasons like spells or curses. I will in turn relate this to today’s horror and how that even in this digital world we still rely on Pagan rituals, Granny witches, folklore and urban legends to put chills down our spine.
Defeating the Demonic
Toxic Icon Podcast LIVE
A horror based podcast out of St.Louis, MO. Comprised of three panelists, Nick White, Yerrty G, and Jalyn Talley, this podcast aims to give an in-depth look into what it’s like to work in a professional haunted house from an actors and management point of view, as well as a dive deep into the world of adversity, highs and lows, and how the haunted house world influences creativity, beyond the costumes that we wear.
This podcast also dives into the world of horror movies, reviews, and extensive coverage of Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights event!
Grave Robbing in the 19th century
Detailed presentation about grave robbing in the 19th century and how the rise of medical colleges led to cemeteries being raided all over the country. At a time when common laborers made $20 a week, medical schools paid $25 to $40 per body.
Beyond the Headlines: True Crime’s Myths & Legends
I will do a brief discussion about the impact true crime has on our cultural mythology and then do a Q&A on related questions about various true crime cases. This talk would be related to my book series Beyond the Headlines.
Real Life Final Girls: Three Women Who Survived Serial Killers
This presentation will focus on three women who survived deadly encounters with serial killers in the United States. This presentation will focus on the the accounts of Lisa McVey, Mary Vincent, and Kate Moir who used trickery, physical prowess, and fortitude to endure and escape from serial killers who had already destroyed several lives. These real life final girls overcame unimaginable ordeals, survived dismemberment, escaped containment, and faced down doubters to put their assailants behind bars. The stories of Mary, Kate, and Lisa sound like something straight out of Friday the 13th, yet they have gone largely ignored by the media. We’ll look beyond the prevalence of serial killers that have engaged the public mind to recognize and commend the women who brought them down.
Intermediate Cosplay Prosthetics
Graduate beyond the basics! This is the place for cosplayers and film makers who have been through the intro class or those who already have some knowledge and experience., This session raises the bar and branches into professional methods and materials but keeps it all within the cosplay world. Learn the pro tricks and techniques you can do at home! In this hands-on class, students will complete the entire ‘Hollywood’ process for making a small silicone prosthetic. You will sculpt, mold and cast your own creation. What you make, you take with you!
2 HOUR CLASS…ROB WILL WORK WITH YOU IF YOU HAVE PHOTO OPS THAT CONFLICT WITH THE TIME!
Real Magick: The Moon, Mirrors, and the Witches Ladder
Join Three Appalachian Witches: Ashley Conner, Misty Conner, and Pat Bussard O’Keefe, for a rollicking good time learning a bit of knowledge about magick! Their talk is based on their new book, From the Appalachians and Beyond: Moon Magick, Mirror Magick, and the Witches Ladder. Learning and laughing will take center stage as these mountain conjurers share both the secrets of their practice and stories from growing up in the Appalachian Mountains, the second oldest mountain range on Earth. The first 100 people to attend their presentation will take a little magick home, a spell kit of their own!
When We Feared Vampires – Historic Vampires and Modern Paranormal Occurrences
We will explore the New England Vampire panic and other early reports of vampires in America as well as the modern paranormal reports associated with them today.
Eerie Travels: Unnatural Kentucky
Join the team behind the hit Eerie Travels Podcast and book series as they take you on a virtual tour of the cryptids, UFO, and paranormal encounters of the Bluegrass State. From the famous events like Hopkinsville, and cryptids like the Popelick Monster, to the dark lesser-known monsters and legends from the deepest hollers.
Exploring UFO Aircraft and Alien Species
For centuries, humans have made reports of close encounters with extraterrestrials. Here we explore the different species that have been reported and the various UFO spacecraft. We will investigate the differences found between them and possible reasons for contact.
The Haunting Impact of Paranormal Tourism on Local Communities
When we think about tourism, we may think about sporting events, business and medical conferences, and work retreats. However a new trend of dark tourism has brought forth a new emergence of tourists to communities. When we think of haunted cities, we often think about New Orleans, Savannah, or Gettysburg. What we don’t think about is Louisville, Chicago, or smaller prohibition cities who typically only advertise their dark pasts around Halloween. This panel will give attendees an opportunity to think about their haunted hometowns and how to highlight the rich histories of Kentucky and Indiana through paranormal and dark storytelling.
Murderabilia
Husband and wife team Chad and Chelsea Sheppard show and tell their experience collecting murderabilia, or the buying and selling of true crime related artifacts.
Exploring the Paranormal with Glider
Adam Bonnett is a paranormal investigator, but not just any paranormal investigator. What makes him different? He’s in a wheelchair. His condition didn’t slow him down, it just forced him to develop creative alternatives. Throughout his life, he never let anything stop him or prevent him from achieving his goals. Often considered a “rolling trigger object”, he uses his unique position to his advantage when investigating. He created and copyrighted a wheelchair bound ghost named Glider, who represents him and others with disabilities. Glider is a symbol that there are no limitations to those who truly believe. He hopes to continue raising awareness and showing the world that anything is possible.
Kids Day Cosplay
A special class designed especially for the kids. Hands on learning of the absolute basics of creating cosplay on a budget.
“One of Us”: Kentucky’s Horror Icons
Though not normally considered a hot bed of the film and tv industry, Kentucky has produced or nurtured some true legends of the horror genre. This presentation will shed light on these luminaries. their careers, and the influence the Bluegrass had on them.
Attachments: Haunted places vs haunted people
Comparing haunted locations and individuals that attract paranormal activity using witness accounts from my podcast Shadows of Legend
Drama and Tales
Join Paula and Gavin..Come and listen to some Ghostly Tales of western Kentucky along with what happening in our paranormal world. Is it socialism or is it just your everyday drama.
Haunted Route 66
I will speak about the history of the Historic Route 66 as well as some its mysteries, murders, and hauntings along the famous route. From Ghostly apparitions, cryptids, UFO sightings, and unsolved mysteries, this haunted highway plays host to world of the paranormal.
