The Second Annual Sci-Fi Spectacular in Chicago

Saturday, May 10^th was the second annual Sci-Fi Movie Marathon at The Music Box Theater in Chicago. Faithful readers of mine know that my brave nephew and I attended this festival last year and have attended the last two horror marathons in October. The one major difference is that this festival runs 12 hours where the Horror fest (titled The Music Box Massacre) runs 24 hours.

As has been the case with the previous three festivals we have attended, this year's marathon was solidly put together by our host Rusty Nails who spends his time working the crowd in between movies with raffles, prize giveaways and trivia. He also handles Q&A sessions with any celebrity guests (this year was B-movie actress Mary Woronov, co-star of Death Race 2000). It can also now be noted that my nephew and I are officially regulars as Rusty now recognizes us with each passing festival.

Much like last year's Sci-Fi fest this year's got off to a late start of about 20 minutes with no explanation given. Unlike last year's, which continued to fall behind after each movie, this year's made the time up through the course of the day. While last year we didn't emerge from the Music Box until 5am, this year we were out at 2:30.

As has always been the case Rusty made sure there were vendors set up in the lobby selling shirts, DVD's, buttons, pins, posters and books covering the horror and Sci-Fi genres. There was also a raffle to benefit starving children in Africa with some impressive prizes included an autographed copy of horror author Clive Barker's latest book and autographed memorabilia from underground film director John Waters.