Mid Atlantic Nostalgia Convention with Overflowing Memories

A star studded lineup of film and TV stars of yesteryear descended on Hunt Valley, MD,this past weekend as the 6th Annual Mid Atlantic Nostalgia Convention was held amid a sea of vendors with an overwhelming array of posters, books and assorted memorabilia toys and tidbits.

Headlining the celebrities was Oscar winner Patty Duke who is guesting on TVs new Hawaii Five O in October as an Alzheimer-stricken mother of a crime victim. I asked her about an early 1970's made for TV movie that won awards and acclaim, My Sweet Charlie, and she agreed that it needed release but that it was likely tied up over legal rights. I also told her how I enjoyed her son-Sean Astin's work (Lord of the Rings trilogy, 24). She was such a nice person as was her staff. You get a feeling about some people being genuinely sweet and giving, well that's what you get with her.

Among the other notables who attended and signed autographs and posed for pictures were Michael Constantine and Karen Valentine both from TV's Room 222, Tony Dow from Leave It To Beaver, Davy Jones of The Monkees, and several others.

The merchandise for sale ranged from inexpensive cards and toys to collectibles at several hundred dollars! In fact the variety and selection was downright overwhelming at times. Guess I'll have to come back next year for more as this relatively young convention is growing by leaps and bounds.

Monster Mania Con 20 with Celebs and Trinkets

Director John Carpenter was the highlight of the 20th Monster Mania Convention held in Hunt Valley, MD, this weekend. His early films are cult classics including Assault on Precinct 13, Halloween, Escape from New York, and The Thing remake. When asked if he and frequent star Kurt Russell will reunite, he did not know except that Russell was still alive so who knows? Other stars included Anthony Michael Hall (TV's The Dead Zone and films 16 Candles and The Breakfast Club), P.J. Soles (Carrie, Halloween, and Rock n' Roll High School), veteran Joe Tukel (Paths of Glory, The Shining, and Blade Runner) ,Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters, The Crow) and many more.

There were plenty of vendors selling movie and TV memorabilia and horror related makeup, props, and paraphenalia. The attendence was good and a good time was had by all it seems.