As I stepped into the Shock Stock Horror Convention, I could feel the excitement buzzing in the air. People dressed in their favourite horror movie costumes, booths filled with gruesome memorabilia, and the sound of screams coming from the crowd watching short and full length feature films. But what I didn’t expect was to witness a speech that would touch my heart in a way I never thought possible.
Jacob Windatt, the founder of Shock Stock, took to the stage to pay tribute to a recently deceased friend and integral member of the organisation, Harvey Lalonde. The room was silent as Jacob spoke about Harvey’s dedication and passion for the horror community. It was clear that Harvey had been a key figure in the community, and his loss was felt by everyone.
Jacob’s speech was deeply emotional and heartfelt, and it wasn’t just his words that struck a chord with me. Orbax from The Monsters of Schlock joined Jacob on stage, and the two of them spoke about the horror community being like a tight-knit family. Although everyone was different, they all shared a common language – the horror language.
As I looked around the room, I could see the truth in their words. The people in attendance were from all walks of life, but they were all connected by their love of horror. It was clear that they were all there to support each other and share in the joy of their passion.
Despite not knowing Harvey personally, I felt the pain that everyone was going through with his passing. The tears in Jacob’s eyes as he spoke about his friend were mirrored by many in the audience, including myself. It was a touching moment that reminded me of the power of community and how important it is to have people around us who share our interests and values.
As the speech came to an end, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for being a part of the horror community. The sense of togetherness and support was overwhelming, and I knew that I was lucky to be a part of it. I felt proud to be associated with such a welcoming and inclusive group of people.
I would like to personally thank Jacob and his Shock Stock family for reminding me of the importance we all have. The horror community is more than just a group of people who enjoy horror movies and events. It’s a family that supports and cares for each other in good times and bad. And if you ever want to experience that feeling for yourself, I strongly suggest you attend Shock Stock in London, Ontario.
Briefly said, the horror community is a tight-knit family that shares a common love for all things horror. It’s a place where everyone is accepted for who they are, and the support and camaraderie are unparalleled. If you’re a horror fan, there’s no better community to be a part of, and I’m proud to call myself a member.
