L.C. Ginsberg could not have picked a better weekend to stage the first annual Macabre Fair. Held at the Mill River Manor Best Western, the fair acted as a haven for fans of everything horror, goth and steampunk. So, it was only fitting that the three day festival kicked off on Friday the 13th.
Ginsberg is the owner of TwitchTwitch Productions, the group responsible for the weekend. The fair was the first of its kind on Long Island, according to Ginsberg.
“We’re really proud of it because we feel like we’re the pioneers of what we’re doing,” she said. “[We’re] giving a home to steampunk lovers, renaissance lovers, horror fans and witches. [It’s] a place to gather and enjoy all things macabre.”
The festival did just that. With a variety of vendors, booths and panel discussions, Ginsberg and crew seamlessly fused fans of specific Macabre areas.
Vendors sold clothing and accessories while others specialized in props, films and horror-inspired music.
“This is something that Long Island has needed for a while,” Dawn Hunt, owner of Cucina Aurora-Kitchen Witchery said. “I think there’s a lot of people that are into this. It’s finally nice to see a place where the community can come together.”
In addition to being the sponsor of the event, Cucina Aurora acted as one of the vendors. Hunt and her husband, operating out of Salem, New Hampshire, sell infused olive oil and dip mixes.
Actor Doug Jones, best known for his role as Ape Sapien in the Hellboy movies, signed autographs, took photos, and interacted with groups of adoring fans. Jones also screened the 2005 remake of The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari during the three-day convention.
“It’s a place to meet the fans that have been watching all the movies and TV shows that I’ve been in all these years,” Jones said of the weekend. “Those are the people that helped buy my house, so I owe them a thank you, a hug, and a pat on the head.”
Jones said he loves the atmosphere that accompanies events like the Macabre Fair.
“There’s a lot of camaraderie,” he said. “All of society’s misfits come together and find each other with a sense of family and belonging. It’s really a sweet thing to witness.”
What made the fair so different from others of its kind was the size. By providing a more intimate setting, Ginsberg allowed patrons to connect with the subject matter instead of trying to race to every event before closing time.
“That’s what I’m hearing from my attendees, ‘We love the intimacy of this event and we’re so excited that you brought it into our own backyard’,” Ginsberg said. “That’s music to my ears.”
