Ironstock vs Midwest Haunters [Archive]

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Sickie Ickie

12-22-2006, 06:42 PM

Sorry folks, but I didn't know where else to pose this question...

Which is better? Ironstock or Midwest? I'm in Illinois and as a beginning haunter I won't be able to make both.

Or is it like compairing apples to oranges? Do they focus on different audiences?

Please don't send me to the sites, I already checked them out and would like people's opinions. Thanks!

Frighteners Entertainment

12-22-2006, 09:24 PM

both are good events to go to.
the seminars will cost you at midwest, $50 per each?..
Not sure what Ironstock will be for this yr, maybe $10 or so for the whole weekend, seminars are included with that.
Ironman is a member of this forum, send him a PM and he can fill in the blanks.

HibLaGrande

12-22-2006, 10:40 PM

I had fun at my first Ironstock last year and plan to go again this year. It helps that I'm cheap :D don't think I would spring for seminars as I am not a pro.

BooGirl666

12-23-2006, 03:54 AM

I too had a blast at my first Ironstock experience. I haven't been to midwest yet but I know Ironstock was and is great for a newbie.

Ironman

12-23-2006, 11:54 AM

Comparing gatherings, large or small, is fairly easy as most have their own unique aspects for everyone. But trying to say which one would best fit your personal interest would be nearly impossible. In the eight years we have been hosting Ironstock we have always encouraged folks to attend which ever one(s) they could get to. Generally smaller gatherings typically have a defined intimate atmosphere while the larger gatherings usually have much more in the way of demos and information for haunters. And some stress the trade show aspect. At Ironstock we have always tried to combine each of these characteristics into one venue while adding a mix of fun for the whole family along the way. Last year we had over 630 haunters attend. Up a bit from the 35 people that were present at the first one, but we still work very hard to maintain that close camaraderie that we started with. About the best way I’ve ever heard Ironstock described is as some demented family picnic where you’re not really related to anyone. This phrase is sometimes followed by the whispered words “Thank God!” , but I believe you can get my drift.

Right now we are working on the demo and seminar line up for next June. As always, we try to come up with a mix that will be of interest to as many folks as possible. In the past this has varied from carving pumpkins and mixing monster mud to building state of the art animatronics and creating your own custom facial prosthetics. Our speakers range from the home novice to the seasoned pros that, while unpaid for their efforts, share their expertise with us all for the love of Halloween. We can never thank these dedicated individuals enough for their participation. The same must be said for the many vendors that have graced our Vendor’s Alley in the past. Whereas many of these vendors could expect to make much more money at some of the large conventions from mass sales, most come here to enjoy the more relaxed setting so they can not only show their wonderful wares, but actually have the time to meet people face to face and enjoy themselves as well.

Recently we have been approached by promoters from a nearby city that pitched the idea of moving Ironstock to their town to make it a much more viable business venture. They have glitzy conventions centers, and several luxury hotels that could accommodate our guests. We have also had leaders in the Halloween industry offer their help in showing us how to make Ironstock a profitable success. Our answer to both was “Thank you, but no.” We don’t measure success the same way as others do. The fact that hundreds of haunters that we consider family come from every walk of life to this sleepy little spot of the world to share our passion for the season is all the success we ever need.

However, on that note, I must sadly announce that for the first time in our eight year history, there will be a fee to attend Ironstock. Again I must impress that we are not out to make a profit, but rather to offset some of the rising expenses of putting on this event. In the beginning we had no earthly idea of how and what Ironstock would grow into. But to continue we have had to face the reality of either charging or losing this celebration that we hold so dear to our black hearts, and look forward to all year long. In the next few weeks the Ironstock web site will be updated with this new information. Basically the charge will be $15.00 per adult for the week-end, with advanced registration of $10.00.

We hope to meet each of you next June at Ironstock, but repeating what I said in the beginning, if you cannot make it here, try your best to make it to one of the gatherings closest to you. It will be an experience you will always cherish.

Sickie Ickie

12-23-2006, 04:55 PM

Damn! Well said! That convinced the hell out of me! Looks like I'll be trying to hit Ironstock.

Who else is planning on attending?

Frighteners Entertainment

12-23-2006, 05:32 PM

I've been going for 3-4? yrs now.
You'll see me there no doubt.

DeathTouch

12-23-2006, 06:32 PM

Right now I am on standby for going. But I do have my hotel reserved. I love Ironstock. Remember if you go, support Ironstock by bring a signed pair of underwear. Give it to Jeff so he can dangle it above his head. That didn't sound good, but it looks cool.

Sickie Ickie

12-23-2006, 07:03 PM

Sounds like a plan...I'm a guy, so should I bring underwear with holes and bloody? ;-)

DeathTouch

12-23-2006, 07:06 PM

That would be Haunters Choice. Hey, I made a funny. Get it, Haunters Choice? Anyone want coffe?

Frighteners Entertainment

12-23-2006, 07:20 PM

Yes indeed, if you wish to bring a pair of undies to IronStock and have them proudly displayed above the booth, you can fashion them anyway you prefer, well, as long as you sign them! LOL

Sickie Ickie

12-24-2006, 12:12 AM

Hmmmmm. The ideas start flowing! :-D

Vlad

12-24-2006, 11:05 AM

Hmmmmm, IS vs MH. Just get Zombie to start another death match section, lol.

BooGirl666

12-26-2006, 03:04 AM

I am planning on going. Hopefully we'll be able to go. We had a blast last year and would love to go again. This time not stayin at the roach motel if I can help it. lol.

Frighteners Entertainment

12-27-2006, 09:58 AM

Hopefully Rob will come back this year as well, his own booth or welcome to share some space with me.

BooGirl666

12-27-2006, 12:47 PM

you know what i would like to see at ironstock... a few makeup booths... i was hoping to buy makeup for the party and there was none. i watched the seminar on how to apply it too bad i couldn't practice. Is there a reason there was no makeup booths set up?

Hauntiholik

12-27-2006, 06:08 PM

FE - are you only accepting booth *decorations* from people who attend Ironstock?

Frighteners Entertainment

12-27-2006, 07:06 PM

Frighteners Entertainment

12-27-2006, 07:07 PM

FE - are you only accepting booth *decorations* from people who attend Ironstock?Absolutly not! LOL

Ms. Wicked

12-28-2006, 09:38 PM

Frighteners Entertainment

12-28-2006, 10:27 PM

OK - I just looked at the link for Ironstock. This is very possible and I'd really like to go, especially since TransWorld seems to be for professionals only. I did a MapQuest and it's a seven hour drive for me... I'm sure I could drag my cousin or a friend if Tony doesn't want to go.That's great, takes me 6-7 to get there myself.
If things progress with the HauntForum folks here, we may need to set aside a little time for a "get to know you" HauntForum thing. Maybe Z would set up a spot with me there???

Sickie Ickie

12-28-2006, 11:51 PM

Sounds like a good idea, Jeff. It'll take me 5-1/2 hrs myself.

Fangs

12-29-2006, 12:06 AM

Just looked, its 12 hours for me... I would really like to attend this year... hmm... have to do some figuring LOL

bourno

12-29-2006, 12:15 AM

I will be making my 3rd IronStock this coming year. You close driving people make me sick ;)

I will stopping at the Six Flags Holiday Inn at St Louis on the way out which has kinda become an annual event to meet up with a few travelers to the event.

Hellrazor

12-29-2006, 09:54 AM

So its 10 hours from here to Ironstock... I ran it by my hubby and I think we may just be able to make it. It would be fun.... I wont know for a while now though.. hopefully we will camp during our stay.... I guess I should make a decision to book something.

Frighteners Entertainment

12-31-2006, 06:14 PM

Sounds good Hellrazor, Midnight Angel and Dennis come in from Canada also.

BooGirl666

12-31-2006, 06:36 PM

its bout a 2 1/2 hour drive for us. This will be our second year going... I can't wait.

Sickie Ickie

12-31-2006, 07:41 PM

Do people walk around in costume or is a casual blue jeans thing?

Frighteners Entertainment

12-31-2006, 07:46 PM

just a few in costumes, be comfortable.
July in Indiana....could be a little warm! LOL

Sickie Ickie

12-31-2006, 07:49 PM

Gotcha. G-string attire....of course with my pot belly that may not be good! LOL

Ms. Wicked

12-31-2006, 07:51 PM

:eek:

Ms. Wicked

01-01-2007, 01:39 PM

OK - Ramada and Holiday Inn are completely booked already.

I've just made a reservation at the Days Inn. I am on the waiting list for Holiday Inn so maybe something will open up.

:)

HibLaGrande

01-01-2007, 08:42 PM

OH man booked already? this does not bode well. :(

Sickie Ickie

01-01-2007, 09:45 PM

I guess it's the Days Inn...

Ironman

01-01-2007, 10:14 PM

The Best Western located in Lewispot, Kentucky is just 10 minutes from Ironstock. It is also listed on the Ironstock web site under the hotels page, but here's a link that will give you more info:
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/hotels-motels/hotelinfo/3677.html

There is another hotel being built right now that is also about 10 miles down the road in Rockport, Indiana. It is scheduled to open this spring and as soon as we have the contact info we will post it on the Ironstock site as well. We might as well break in the new owners right.

DeathTouch

01-01-2007, 10:32 PM

I am so lucky that I booked the Ramada already. Ha ha, Sucks to be you. LOL.

BooGirl666

01-02-2007, 02:35 PM

Guess we'll be at the roach motel once again... damn me and my procrastinating. O well they have a nice pool lol.

Ironman

01-02-2007, 03:05 PM

As most of you already know by now, the Ramada and the Holiday Inn are booked out for Ironstock. But I do have news on the new hotel that will be opening mid-February that will be able to accommodate a few folks. It is a Comfort Suites and is located about 12 miles west of the fairgrounds on highway 66. I have spoken with the manager this morning, and she has extended a similar discount that the Ramada and the Holiday give us now. She will be able to take reservations on or about February the 5th. The hotel will have 53 rooms, with 15 of them being suites that could easily take care of families. We will post this information on the web site just as soon as we get it firmed up a little more.

Sickie Ickie

01-02-2007, 10:33 PM

We just got a Ramada Room for three nights with a jacooooozi. :-) My wife and I figured we may as well make it our vacation. heh

Gory Corey

01-03-2007, 02:26 PM

We may or may not be coming due to the impending fidget.
I hope to heck we can, but a 3 month old for 8 hours in a car ????

Anyone a pilot?

Frighteners Entertainment

01-05-2007, 04:00 PM

OK, I booked my rm late, yesterday, and was still able to get in a the Holiday Inn.

Ms. Wicked

01-05-2007, 05:06 PM

OK folks - It was pointed out to me that I should have mentioned I was going to Ironstock when I originally called the Holiday Inn (which I didn't do)... ;)

So I called back and just made a reservation there! Yay! I can't wait!

HibLaGrande

01-05-2007, 05:09 PM

Anyone a pilot?

you steal the plane and I can fake it. :D

landing on a runway is over rated anyway.

Frighteners Entertainment

01-05-2007, 05:12 PM

Sickie Ickie

01-06-2007, 01:23 AM

We may or may not be coming due to the impending fidget.
I hope to heck we can, but a 3 month old for 8 hours in a car ????

Anyone a pilot?

We travelled from New Jersey to Illinois with a 1 year old. AWFUL!!!!!!

HibLaGrande

01-06-2007, 11:49 AM

just booked at THE HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS, said they had plenty of rooms .

Frighteners Entertainment

01-06-2007, 02:24 PM

just booked at THE HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS, said they had plenty of rooms .
Maybe this year I can check out that sound scape?
Well, if you remember! lol

wormyt

01-06-2007, 04:28 PM

and dont forget that any of you who havent been .....here are some pics to get yall excited....lots and lots...ok zillions of pics to see. LOL
Ironstock 2003 pictures by Wormyt - Photobucket and 2004...
IRONSTOCK 2004 1 pictures by Wormyt - Photobucket and more of 2004...

IRONSTOCK 2004 2 pictures by Wormyt - Photobucket and 2005....

IRONSTOCK 2005 pictures by Wormyt - Photobucket and more 2005....

Ironstock 2005 _2nd folder pictures by Wormyt - Photobucket and 2006...the most pics lol....

IRONSTOCK 2006 Thursday June 22 pictures by Wormyt - Photobucket and more...
IRONSTOCK 2006 Fri June 23 pictures by Wormyt - Photobucket and more...
IRONSTOCK 2006 Sat June 24 pictures by Wormyt - Photobucket and more...
IRONSTOCK 2006 Sat June 24 WEASELBALL and more pictures by Wormyt - Photobucket and even more...
IRONSTOCK 2006 Sun June 25 pictures by Wormyt - Photobucket ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Cant wait to meet those of you that I havent yet met. I too am at the Ramada.

Ironman

01-06-2007, 04:49 PM

HI guys, just to clarify....Lord only knows how convoluted this stuff can get.
Iron called Holiday Inn to check availability...he omitted the fact that he was with Ironstock and was told Nope, you can't have one. The friendly folks at HI had set aside a block of rooms for the haunters. If you don’t mention your affiliation with the event they have rooms open. So claim your allegiance loudly and proudly. See you all in June Lady Iron

HibLaGrande

01-06-2007, 10:09 PM

Maybe this year I can check out that sound scape?
Well, if you remember! lol

I guess I could load it up again that way I could log on to haunt forum from the room. At the least I can play video games all night, the wife will love that :D

BooGirl666

01-07-2007, 12:38 AM

Ok we're going... room booked... o now im excited!!!! And yes its true holiday inn has rooms.

IshWitch

01-13-2007, 12:34 AM

It is up in the air right now as to whether I can come. I am going to Michigan in May and closeness of the trips combined with trying to get the time off from work is doable, but....it is too early to tell.

So I was wondering, if I find that I can definitely make it, would anyone be interested in splitting a room? That is if you aren't afraid to share a room with a stranger (and I'm sure there are many stranger than me! LOL! ).

If not half the cost for a bed, then perhaps a third the cost for some floor space? I've done many years of drumcorps and have no problem bringing a bedroll! :)

I have wanted to go to Ironstock forever! And after reading Ironman's post at the beginning of this thread, the urge is only stronger! I am so glad AND so proud of them for not turning this into a convention hotel event! Not that there is anything wrong with those, love them too! But to me Ironstock has always looked like (and been described to me as) the Renn Faire for Haunters!
And that is so awesome!

And geez Wormy! Are you trying to make me crazy? Those pics are enough to want Ironstock to be tomorrow! I HAVE to go there now!
:) :) ;)

Sickie Ickie

01-13-2007, 02:45 AM

Hey Ironman, I have Tom Savini's e-mail. You want me to e-mail him to see if he'd be willing to do a lecture?

Ironman

01-15-2007, 10:59 AM

Of course we would love to have Tom come out and play. And if you send me his addy, I will make a point to personally invite him. However, I've met Tom and a few other well known names in the industry at various cons, and I know that generally when they make appearances they expect to be paid. Unfortunately we do not have the budget to bring celebrities in like many of the conventions do.

turtle2778

01-15-2007, 11:40 AM

I got lucky this year. I am getting to got to midwest, hauntcon, and IRONSTOCK. This is my first year attending anything. Im also going to HauntX in feb but im flying to that one. I cant wait to go...Im so excited about meeting all of you people...well maybe not alll of you some of you are freaks..LOL. Dont want to scare my non halloween husband away too soon. :D Im only like 2 hours away from IronStock and when i called to get my room they said they only had 20 rooms left at the Holiday Inn. Definately mention ur from IS. So do these underwear need to be our own??? Clean?? Dirty?? Stained and Smell???? I dont want to be the odd man out..LOL This will be a fun filled summer. Cant wait to see you all there

Sickie Ickie

01-15-2007, 11:53 AM

Ms. Wicked

03-07-2007, 09:02 AM

As it turns out, I won't be able to make Ironstock this year.

My MIL will be coming from England to visit us for two weeks in June, right when IS is taking place. As much as I hate to cancel, I'm afraid I'll have to.

Given that FIL recently passed, we didn't try to talk her into other dates.

The good news is it will be good to see her again and the boys will love spending time with their grandmother, with whom they were very close when we lived in England.

Family comes first... :)

There's always next year!

Frighteners Entertainment

03-07-2007, 09:15 AM

You'll be missed, but the alternative is going to MHC.

slightlymad

03-07-2007, 03:18 PM

Well, I know Tom is appearing at the 2007 Eerie Horror Film Festival, October in PA http://www.eeriehorrorfest.com . I'm not sure how many appearences he'll be able to do this year... I'll PM you his e-mails.

Man that looks like fun but who has any free time in october gotta finish all that stuff I started.