Scare-A-Con draws film fanatics, ends 14-year Syracuse horror hiatus
Scare-A-Con returned to Syracuse for the first time in over a decade. The event gave horror movie fans a place to find community. Alexander Zhiltsov | Staff Photographer
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JV Johnson, an Oneonta, NY native, became interested in paranormal activity while watching “Ghost Hunters.” After meeting the cast at an event, he quickly became friends with one of the show’s stars, Jason Hawes.
Together, the supernatural enthusiasts toured events around the country. Dragon Con in Atlanta caught their attention.
“It was scary, amazing, hilarious and inspiring all at the same time,” he said. “I said, ‘upstate New York needs one of these.’”
Soon, moving away from paranormal to more horror and science fiction, he introduced the first Scare-A-Con convention at The Oncenter in 2011. This weekend marked the convention’s return to Syracuse after 14 years. Horror film enthusiasts gathered in Syracuse to experience the horror, sci-fi and pop culture convention.
Fans had the opportunity to meet TV and movie actors, shop from unique vendors and watch film screenings. They could also interact with their favorite celebrities, like participating in a ghost hunt with “Friday the 13th” star Kane Hodder.
After its initial launch in Syracuse, the event was held in Verona. In 2019, the convention was relocated to Rochester, though it encountered challenges with the venue. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the convention took a break.
Sam Miserandino, a criminal defense attorney by day and author by night, has been a vendor at the convention since the early days of the event. His table displayed his books, which are based on children’s stories but with an adult twist, featuring titles like, “If You Give a Bunny a Beer,” and “If You Give a Bear a Bong.” Even after appearing at other fan expositions across the United States, the Buffalo local was excited to see Scare-A-Con come back to his area.
Social interaction is a key part of Scare-A-Con. Founder JV Johnson hopes the event can provide a sense of community for celebrities, vendors and fans. Alexander Zhiltsov | Staff Photographer
When Johnson, caught up in other post-pandemic projects, was unsure he had the energy to bring the convention back to Syracuse, his family stepped in to help. He and his daughter, son, sister and nephews worked together to revive it.
“My family wants to be involved in what I do and I want to be involved in what they do. It’s just kind of the way we grew up,” Johnson said.
First-time attendee Katelyn Bibik traveled from Tully to experience Scare-A-Con with her dad. She couldn’t wait to meet Dave Sheridan of “Scary Movie,” a longtime favorite of hers. Her dad was just as thrilled to meet the actors he’s admired on screen for many years.
“He’s getting to have a little bit of his childhood fun too,” Bibik said.
This year, the owners of Fuzz on the Lens Productions, a movie production company, made an appearance at the festival. The company is known for producing indie films like the “Terrifier” series and their recent release “Stream.” Founded by brothers Jason and Michael Leavy, the company highlights a family-driven approach that mirrors the spirit of the convention.
“We’re a really tight knit group. We’re all family,” Jason said.
Vendors sold horror merchandise a their Scare-A-Con booths. Fans of horror, science fiction and pop culture shopped between events. Alexander Zhiltsov | Staff Photographer
Jason is a partner in Scare-A-Con with Johnson. He met Johnson’s daughter, Alexandria Leavy, at the Rochester convention just before the pandemic. After reconnecting two months later on the set of “Terrifier” in upstate New York, the two started dating and were engaged six months later.
Like Johnson, Jason and Michael are movie buffs. The brothers have been making movies since they were kids and attended film school together. Now, the two make a good team, he said.
“How often do you get to chase a dream with someone that you grew up with and idolized?” Jason said.
When they announced Scare-A-Con’s return, the horror community responded with excitement. Jason was proud to see the work his wife and father-in-law put in had paid off.
“Horror fans are one of the best fans in the world…they’ll let you know when something is great and they’ll support you through thick and thin, ” Jason said.
Johnson said he hopes fans feel the sense of community from celebrities, vendors and other like-minded fans. Social interaction is a key part of the event, so Johnson ensures that the celebrities invited do more than just sign autographs. He wants them to interact with fans, giving them hugs, taking pictures and even having a drink with them at the event’s late-night parties.
“As tired as I am at the end of this weekend when we do it, I always leave with a smile on my face,” Johnson said. “I’ve seen my family working together for something that’s really valuable.”
