The first annual FANtom Fest was a festival created by fans, for fans, and it showed.
Horror and pop culture film buffs were surrounded by vendors with unique wares – from original art to pumpkin carvings to edible horror icons – and celebrity guests who had never visited Northeastern Pennsylvania before.
Held Oct. 3-5 at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center in downtown Scranton, it was a weekend that kicked off the Halloween season right with Q&A sessions, movie screenings, cosplayers, a charity raffle, and a spooky atmosphere around every corner of the hotel. “Sleepaway Camp” star Jonathan Tiersten even lost his shirt as we shot photos throughout Saturday, Oct. 4.
Read the entire story behind the convention here and see celebrity portraits taken at the con by Jason Riedmiller here.

by Rich Howells
Rich is an award-winning journalist, longtime blogger, photographer, and podcast host. He is the founder and editor of NEPA Scene.