BINGHAMTON — Fans of horror can celebrate the month for screams at this year’s inagural Terror Expo.

The Terror Expo, held from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Best Western, 569 Harry L Drive, Johnson City, N.Y., is a one-day convention that will feature a vendor area, Halloween costume contest with prizes for first and second places, film screenings and special guests. Expo co-founder Joe Demuro said he and partner Tom Rice wanted to bring an event to their area that mirrors convention experiences they’ve traveled so far to take part in.

“We just realized there was nothing in this area of that nature and there’s such a local draw for independent films here and conventions,” Demuro said. “Nobody has to travel so far to get to the show. Being that we travel to a lot of different shows ourselves and got to meet some of the guest stars and stuff like that we were already laying the ground work.”

They’re bringing in two guests this year: Jeremy Ambler, who played a zombie on “The Walking Dead,” and Bill Diamond, who previously worked under Jim Henson and whose work can be seen in “Little Shop of Horrors,” “The Dark Crystal” and “Labyrinth.” Diamond said the convention circuit is a newer concept in the pop culture world, but it’s one he has embraced because it gives him a chance to connect with fans on multiple levels.

“With us they’ll get a chance to get some knowledge and things that they may have not known either from my early years with the Hensons to the things that we do now (with Bill Diamond Productions),” Diamond said. “They’ll get a chance to see Audrey II from ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ and a couple other things we bring along.”

Diamond said conventions aren’t just for fans — they can also be informational gold mines for aspiring entertainers.

“A lot of times when I go, people come out of the woodwork, at least young people that are looking to either get into puppetry or film or TV,” Diamond said. “They have a lot of questions or they’re showing us things that they’re doing. It gives them an opportunity of connecting and finding out new things — the way they can learn or get into the industry and how to go about it, or how we did it.”

Along with bringing in Diamond and Ambler, Demuro and Rice will screen a number of films local to the Binghamton area, including their own ’30s monster movie homage “Tales of Dracula.” Some screenings will include question-and-answer sessions.

Demuro and Rice hope to expand their one-day expo to a three-day convention next year, but for horror fanatics, the $10 admission covers all-day entry and all attractions. Fans traveling to the show can claim a special rate at the host hotel for $84 plus fees by mentioning the expo during their transaction. For more information about the expo or hotel, call 607-729-9194.

Jeremy Ambler played a zombie on ‘The Walking Dead’ and Terror Expo co-founder, Joe Demuro, said he is now a frequent face at horror and pop-culture conventions.
https://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_Ambler-human-untoned.jpgJeremy Ambler played a zombie on ‘The Walking Dead’ and Terror Expo co-founder, Joe Demuro, said he is now a frequent face at horror and pop-culture conventions. Submitted photo

Jeremy Ambler played a zombie on ‘The Walking Dead’ and Terror Expo co-founder, Joe Demuro, said he is now a frequent face at horror and pop-culture conventions.
https://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_Ambler-Undead-untoned.jpgJeremy Ambler played a zombie on ‘The Walking Dead’ and Terror Expo co-founder, Joe Demuro, said he is now a frequent face at horror and pop-culture conventions. Submitted photo

Bill Diamond will have ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ antagonist and man-eating puppet plant Audrey II on display at Terror Expo.
https://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_Audrey-II-untoned.jpgBill Diamond will have ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ antagonist and man-eating puppet plant Audrey II on display at Terror Expo. Submitted photo
Two frequent convention attendees aim to bring big-show experience to Binghamton area

By Gene Axton

gaxton@timesleader.com

IF YOU GO

What: Terror Expo, a one-day horror convention that includes a costume contest, film screens, vendors and more

Where: Best Western, 569 Harry L Drive, Johnson City, N.Y.

When: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 9

Who: Jeremy Ambler (‘The Walking Dead’) and Bill Diamond (‘The Dark Crystal,’ ‘Labrynth’)

How Much: $10 for adults, kids younger 12 are free. Hotel patrons can claim a discounted rate ($84 plus taxes and fees) by mentioning the expo while booking their room.

Reach Gene Axton at 570-991-6121 or on Twitter @TLArts