New England Haunter’s Gathering XXIV
(That’s right, 2024! It’s our 24th Gathering!!!)
Can you believe it? Say it with me “New England Haunter’s Gathering is 24 years old”! This really means something. Think about it, 24 years. We have been around than most gatherings, get togethers, trade shows and Halloween stores All of you have surprised me time and time again. I/we humbly thank you for your continued support throughout the years.
| When: | Saturday, August 3, 2024 |
| Where: | Courtyard by Marriott Billerica, MA |
| Time: | 9:00am (start time may change) |
| Admission: | $35 |
Please Note: ** All events are intended for Gathering attendees only
Please Note: ** All start/end times may change
Please RSVP a.s.a.p. so we know how much food to order!
On the agenda…
SATURDAY:
New England Haunter’s Gathering 24 – 9am-4pm
~Haunter’s Hangout – Please bring one of your homemade props, decorations or special effects and be a part of the spooky show-n-tell. (This agenda item will depend on the amount of participation.)
(** JUST ADDED **)
** Victor Bariteau (Ghoulie Manor) will join our panel discussion “Halloween, the Past, Present and Future…Let’s Talk”
** SUNDAY! SUNDAY! SUNDAY! ** – Ed Gannon had graciously invited us for a walkthrough of Chamber of Terror in Salem, MA!
~ Practical Prop Techniques that are Off the Beaten Path by Mike Quill, Brad Eadie and James Amaral – In this fast-paced live demo, Mike Quill (Head Honcho), Brad Eadie (Building Manager) and James Amaral (Tech Manager) will show us, in real time, some less common prop building techniques that they use at their attractions. These methods are practical for any level of Haunter and, as you will see, can be applied to a myriad of projects…not just Halloween related! That’s right I said ‘myriad’, thank you thesaurus!
Mike Quill is the owner/operator of Fear Town Haunted House and Factory of Terror. Mike has been haunting for, in Mike’s own words, ”shortly before Glen so kindly amended his age restriction…”. He has been Haunting for a little over 20+ years and created his first Home Haunt in the 3rd grade! Mike, along with Brad Eadie (Build Manager), James Amaral (Tech Manager) and a bunch of devoted workers, continue each year to make Fear Town Haunted House and Factory of Terror 2 of the best Haunted Attractions around.
Visit the websites: www.Fear-Town.com and www.FactoryofTerror.com
~ Halloween, the Past, Present and Future…Let’s talk – This will be a part of Lesley’s presentation but separate as well…you’ll see. We have a great panel discussion in store for you. Lesley Bannatyne, Ed Gannon, Mike Quill, Victor Bariteau and Glen Blinn will discuss Halloween. Halloween and Haunting, how did it start, how it has progressed through the years, what’s going on now and what we ‘think’ the future has instore. Audience questions and participation is highly encouraged.
~ Decaying Skeletons by Jeff Quaglietta – So, looking to add some extra creepy details to your Skeletons (or other props)? Jeff is going to show us a simple process, using some basic materials, that will transform your Skeletons from plain to spooktacular!
A Service Delivery Analyst in Information Technology, Jeff has been haunting for 30 years. I remember visiting Jeff’s Home Haunt when the East Coast Haunt Club was in the lower single digits. Jeff also been seen helping with build-out and guest acting at places like Witch’s Woods, Spookyworld and Haunted Overload just to name a few.
~ Halloween – Past, Present and Future By Lesley Bannatyne – So what is Halloween really? Where did it begin? How did it morph into what we celebrate today…and why the hell do we spend so much money on candy every year?!? Well, Lesley knows! A published author, who has written extensively on the subject Halloween, and has also been on TV and radio! This is a quote from the Harvard Gazette 2017 – “Countless hours of research and five Halloween books later, Bannatyne is a sought-after authority on the scary subject.”
Also, just wanted to mention, Lesley is a longtime contributor and great friend of the East Coast Haunt Club.
Please check out Lesley’s Website: https://lesleybannatyne.com/
~ Small Entertainments can pack a Big Punch! by Ed Gannon – Come and see the Dollhouse…Ed always has the coolest shi…stuff! This is a Dollhouse in 1/12 scale which has a 7-minute presentation built into it. Lights, sound, and some movement. This can be a preshow for a haunt or tell the origin story.
Haunting for over 30 years, Ed Gannon, owner/operator of Chambers of Terror Haunted House & Vampire Ghost Adventures Walking Tour in Salem, MA. Starting his haunting career in New Jersey, Ed has worked on attractions all over the country (too many to name). More than a handful of them in Salem, MA. Arguably the most notable attraction, at least on the east coast, Spookyworld (Berlin, MA and Foxboro, MA). If you didn’t know, the first New England Haunters Gathering was held at Spookyworld (Foxboro).
Personal note: The East Coast Haunt Club and New England Haunters Gathering would not be what it is today without Ed’s help from the very beginning. Thank you for your ongoing support!
Visit his websites: Chambers of Terror Haunted House and Something Wicked Productions
SATURDAY NIGHT:
Dinner & Costume Ball: Think about it — dinner, dancing and in costume! It doesn’t get better that this! Price is $60 per person.
Cash bar will be open from 7pm – 10pm. ( times may change )
Buffet dinner will be served 6pm-8pm. ( times may change )
** PLEASE NOTE: The Dinner/Costume Ball is one price, we cannot charge separately – sorry!
** THE EXTRAS
FRIDAY NIGHT:
The Beast Feast – If you are coming in Friday, instead of spending money eating out come to the Beast Feast! Bring one of your favorite ghoulish, homemade haunted cuisines. Appetizers, desserts, snacks, etc, anything goes. It keeps getting better every year. Location TBA
SUNDAY (DAY):
We are going to Salem, MA to take in the sights with your fellow haunters. If that’s not enough, Ed Gannon offered us a walkthrough of his haunt “Chamber of Terror“!
OTHER INFO:
Silent Auction: To Benefit Team Halloween!
As always, some members will be cleaning out and donating their Halloween items for a silent auction to raise money for Team Halloween. Team Halloween is a charitable project, started by Mike “Tattoo” Krausert of Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, that raises money for cancer research & support. A portion of the money raised will be donated to the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC). So, bring cash and maybe you will find a treasure while contributing to a worthy cause!
For more information on MBCC, please visit: www.mbcc.org
Hotel Information The Courtyard Marriott Billerica, MA is holding a block of rooms for us for Friday August 2, 2024 and Saturday August 3, 2024. The cut off date for our block of rooms is ( July 3, 2024 ).
– To book via phone, call (800) 228-9290 and identify you are with the East Coast Haunt Club to get our rate.
Door Prizes: You don’t have to be a business to donate a door prize. Whether you own a business or simply have a prize to contribute, the East Coast Haunt Club and its gathering attendees would appreciate any donation! Please contact pam@hauntclub.net.
** Click here to RSVP for this year’s Gathering **
