Fan Fest News

News for Fans, By Fans!

Walker Stalker Con Heats Up The Holidays!

The weather outside was frightful but Walker Stalker Con (WSC) was so delightful! This past weekend Fan Fest held their final event of the year, WSC in Edison, NJ. Neither snow nor blustery cold could keep dedicated fans away from all the fun that sizzled inside the New Jersey Exposition and Convention Center.

Walker Stalker Con
Credit: Linda Marie

Walking Dead stars Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Chandler Riggs, Khary Payton, Cooper Andrews and the ever-unpredictable Michael Rooker were just a few of the names on hand spreading joy to the Walker Stalker world. Fan Fest prides itself on their interactive experiences and I was fortunate to capture some truly heartwarming moments between these caring celebrities and their adoring fans. This is why I love Fan Fest…

Khary Payton (King Ezekiel) embraces his kingdom.

Walker Stalker Con, The Walking Dead, King Ezekiel, Khary Payton
Credit: Linda Marie

Cooper Andrews (Jerry) all smiles as he shares the love.

Walker Stalker Con, Walking Dead, Jerry, Cooper Andrews
Credit: Linda Marie

Michael Rooker (Yondu) is always a colorful fan favorite!

Walker Stalker Con, Walking Dead, Merle Dixon, Yonu, Guardians of the Galaxy
Credit: Linda Marie

From artists, vendors, entertainers, and so much more, there was no stopping the holiday spirit! 😉

Walker Stalker Con
Credit: Linda Marie

I even spent some time assisting one of Walker Stalker Con’s amazing guest artists, Scott Spillman. It is certainly a treat to greet fans of his work and also introduce first-timers to his unique style. It is impossible not to be drawn in by Scott’s outstanding display and there was never a dull moment as ‘Team Spillman’ was busy indeed.

Walker Stalker Con, Walking Dead, Scott Spillman
Credit: Linda Marie

I thought perhaps I would be missing out on some of the convention fun as things were bustling behind the booth, but happily the fun came to us. Excited fans surrounded the area and were more than eager to share their unforgettable experiences. Showing off their photo-ops as they swooned over their celebrity crushes. I could only smile as I heard… “Jeffrey Dean Morgan gives the best hugs!”, “Michael Rooker held my hand!”, “Sonequa is so beautiful!”, “Cooper Andrews is the sweetest!” Seeing the enormous smile on a fan’s face is what truly makes my day. It is what con life is all about, it is what Fan Fest is all about.

Walker Stalker Con, Walking Dead, Negan, Jeffrey Dean Morgan
Source: Twitter – @CelebPhotoOps

Even if you were not able to grab a photo op or autograph, Walker Stalker Con offered some terrific panels. Fans crowded together to catch guests sharing humorous thoughts and moments from their favorite shows.  While I was only able to catch a brief glimpse of a couple panels, I heard thunderous applause throughout the day as celebrities took the stage. One of the biggest eruptions occurred as Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Negan) made his epic entrance.

Walker Stalker Con, Walking Dead, Negan, Jeffrey Dean Morgan
Credit: Linda Marie

Of course, no WSC event would be the same without zombies lurking throughout the floor, Negans armed with the lovely Lucille, or The Kingdom ready to serve its King; the cosplayers did not disappoint! The efforts and creativity behind some of their costumes are truly remarkable; I often find myself doing a double take.

Walker Stalker Con, Cosplay
Credit: Linda Marie

Hard to believe the year is coming to a close and it’s a wrap for Walker Stalker Con 2017! I would like to thank all the Fan Fest staff, ambassadors, artists, vendors, security, celebrities, managers and fans for allowing me into their world. As the holidays draw near I pause to remember how thankful I am for all those that have made me feel like I am a part of something truly special; a team that welcomes all with warmth beyond words. I especially want to thank Fan Fest News editor Shannon Toohey for bringing together an incredible team of writers. I look forward to 2018 and growing with this incredible organization.

Walker Stalker Con, Scott Spillman
Credit: Linda Marie

See you all next year!