In The Event That...

You Can't Wait Until October 31

by Annamarya Scaccia

Eastern Haunters Horror Convention

Sat., May 3, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (convention), 8 p.m.-mid. (costume party); Sun., May 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; $25-$60, Sheraton Great Valley Hotel, 707 E. Lancaster Ave., 610-524-5500, easternhauntersconvention.com

If you've been known to pull out the spiderwebs in early September, then the Eastern Haunters Horror Convention is your decaying candy land. Organized by haunt vets Michael Brunner and Rob Kocher, it's the first of its kind on the East Coast.

Perfect for haunted-house owners and the average Halloween enthusiast alike, the two-day horror fest will feature fright professionals, costumes, props, art, music and more. Among the swarm of vendors are spookymagic.com, Rotten Jack's Creep Shack, Fright Factory and Eastern State Penitentiary. Seminars will be offered on topics such as haunt decorating, building and running attractions and the art of gore, while a makeup contest will determine who already has spooky skills.

If you enjoy the occasional monster mash, carve out Saturday night for the Cadaver's Cotillion, the convention's undead version of a Mardi Gras costume ball. There'll be Cajun and Creole grub, raffles and a contest for the best-dressed attendees. We knew rotting skin was coming back in 2008.