Why you should go to Hauntcon, Part 1

I was checking out something (that I will mention in an upcoming post) online and came across a familiar face.

Steve Koontz

Most if not all of you have no idea who he is. But I do, he is my friend. He ran one of the local haunts here in Portland called Screamland in an vintage amusement park called Oaks Park, and a prop company called Screamland Productions.

Jeff and I met him at the airport in Denver Colorado when we attend Hauntcon in 2006. We were all getting off the plane from Portland and he was wearing a shirt with the Screamland logo on it. We knew that haunt. That park is on the same road as our house and many people stopped by our place on the way there.

We said "hi" and became fast friends. Over dinner we found that we had several mutual friends in town and definately the same interests.

This was our first Hauntcon and Steve knew everyone. He was more than generous with his time and introduced us to many people we now call friends. He made that whole first visit to that convention perfect.

When we got back he got us in touch with several of the other local haunt owners. He helped us become part of the Portland haunt community.

So, if the convention itself is not the reason to go, it is the great people you meet. Hundreds of people that think about Halloween 24/7, 365 days a year, just like we do.

Unfortunately the haunt is gone, (thank you evil Clear Channel) and he moved to Vegas. We hook up when we are down there, but don't talk to him as often as I should. Next time I do I will definately give him a long over due "thank you."