Why Every CSI Buff Should Put Alcatraz East Crime Museum on their Fall To-Do List
 
CSI fans get a hands-on experience at the popular crime museum
 
PIGEON FORGE, Tennessee (September 17, 2018) – Millions of people are self-described CSI buffs. They love the intrigue, story, and mystery that goes along with trying to solve a crime. This fall, many of those CSI buffs should put making a stop at Alcatraz East Crime Museum on their to-do list. It’s a stop that won’t disappoint, as it gives visitors the chance to learn the ins and outs of forensic investigation. 
 
“Our visitors are big CSI fans, and often say it’s their favorite gallery in the museum,” explains Rachael Penman, director of artifacts and exhibits at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. “From a crime scene investigation lab, to an area on cold cases, our guests see how what they watch on tv applies in the real world.”
 
Here are the top reasons why every CSI buff should put a stop at the museum on their fall to-do list:
 

• Insider look. Throughout the museum, guests gain a better understanding of the concepts that are a part of crime prevention, investigation, and punishment. Visitors follow the criminal process in not just what happens after the crime has been solved, but through our courts and prison system.  
• Step into the scene. Visitors to the CSI gallery can explore how evidence such as fingerprints, footprint impressions and DNA is collected, ballistic evidence is processed, and autopsies determine cause of death. The gallery even includes a display on Dr. William M. Bass and his work in forensic anthropology.
• Learn the lingo. Those who visit the museum will be brought up to speed on the forensic terms used such as loop, whorl, and arch for fingerprint patterns and the difference between ballistics and firearms identification. 
• Explore true crime. The museum is filled with true crime stories and artifacts. Guests walking the halls have the opportunity to explore a variety of cases and learn how they were solved. 
• How to get into forensics. Crime Scene Investigator is just one of the many careers within the field of forensic science. Guests can learn about the other career paths available in law enforcement and a crime lab. 

“We give CSI fans a chance to view the evidence that put dangerous criminals away, and learn the methods used by investigators in an interactive setting,” added Penman. “Visitors can test the information they already know, and can have a great story to tell all of their other CSI fan friends when they return home.”
 
The Alcatraz East Crime Museum will also be opening a temporary exhibit on the Second Amendment on Friday, October 5, 2018. The exhibit will be open for one year, featuring the history of the amendment and the evolution of American firearms. Additional temporary exhibits include “It Happened Here: Tennessee Crimes & Justice,” which will be open until May 2019, and features artifacts from Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary, James Earl Ray, and Sheriff Buford Pusser. 
The museum is always adding to its collection, and has a star-studded panel of experts who make up the Advisory Board, including those in law enforcement, collectors, a medical examiner, crime scene investigators, and others. The board includes Jim Willett, a retired prison warden, Anthony Rivera, a combat veteran and Navy SEAL chief, and Judge Belvin Perry, Jr., who is best known for the Casey Anthony trial. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.alcatrazeast.com.
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About Alcatraz East
Alcatraz East is the most arresting crime museum in the United States. Guests of all ages can encounter a unique journey into the history of American crime, crime solving, and our justice system. Through interactive exhibits and original artifacts, Alcatraz East is an entertaining and educational experience for all ages - so much fun it’s a crime! This family attraction is located at the entrance of The Island, located at 2757 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN. General admission tickets are $14.95 for children, $24.95 for adults. Group ticket sales are available. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the last ticket sold 60 minutes before closing. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.alcatrazeast.com.
 

Heartstoppers Haunted House brings back multi-level steampunk horror
at their 11th annual haunt, returning home to
​Rancho Cordova at The Mineshaft property long-term
Two Non-Profits Come Together to“Scare for a Cause” and Support Year-Round Community Programs


Ready for areally good scare? Not only are there excellent haunts at the HeartstoppersHaunted House in Rancho Cordova, it is the ideal venue for such an attractiongiven that that the Mineshaft property itself is rumored to be haunted. Notonly are there two major haunts within the main building, upstairs and in the creepycaves and basement, but there are two spooky outdoor haunts adjacent in theformer mini golf course and property adjacent to Folsom Boulevard to completethe experience with spooks in every corner. Tickets start at $25. www.heartstoppershaunt.com



Heartstoppers’ production team has been running professionalquality haunted houses for 11 years. In 2016 and 2017 they joined forces withCallson Manor to create DireWorld in Roseville. Given the redevelopment @TheGrounds, the haunt needed to find a new home. Heartstoppers, now affiliatedwith a 501c3 nonprofit called Theatre Education 4 Theater Nerds, Inc., waswelcomed back to Rancho Cordova with open arms and was offered a long-term homeat the Mineshaft. They have deepened their relationship with the CordovaCommunity Council and will receive community and marketing support from theCouncil. Shared profits will then go to support various community programs inRancho Cordova run by the two organizations.


“We love being back in our favorite location to makeourselves at home with more permanent investment in the property and thecommunity,” said Joel Watson, producer of Heartstoppers Haunt. “Our long-termplan is to not only run the Heartstoppers Haunted House in October but expandto open seasonally for workshops and eventually some other holidays forspecialty themed haunts.”


Tickets include all attractions, plus an Old West Saloonwaiting area indoors (so inclement weather won’t be a problem) where themedrefreshments and souvenirs will be available to help guests prepare for or winddown from their Heartstoppers experience. Its four attractions are looselythemed around the Old West including:

• Deadlands – Old West meets The Walking Dead – outdoorsunder the moonlight
• The Steamghast Asylum – Steampunk Asylum - upstairs
• Underland 3D – The darkest side of Alice’sWonderland – golf course
• MURK - NEW mystery haunt! To be announced closerto grand opening – Basement

Tickets are $25. For those who don’t have the guts to waitin line and enjoy the anticipation, Fancy Pants tickets for $40 enters theminto the Fast-Q. If you can’t get enough, upgrade to the Season Pass for $80and visit us as you wish all season. For those wanting a truly unique and evenmore thrilling experience, they can purchase Committed: The Ride tickets, $60for a private tour via antique wheelchair, alone with one character “guide” withthe guarantee of extra “attention” in the attractions. Limited number sold pernight and only available for purchase at the box office.


Lolliphotos will return this year with “ghost photos” tocreate a unique and surreal commemorative souvenir of your Heartstoppersjourney this season. Gather your group, ideally in costume, for a fun yetchilling experience that you can savor forever for just an additional $25.


“Our volunteers are the heart of our organization,”explained Joel Watson, producer of Heartstoppers Haunted House. “We aregrateful for their hard work and dedication to learn an artistic craft while helpus bring our vision to life for a premier haunted house experience thatbenefits the community.”


The Cordova Community Council Foundation is very involved insupporting Heartstoppers Haunted House in many ways. From helping recruit communityvolunteers to running the parking, helping secure the venue and marketingsupport, they are a valuable partner. 



 “The CordovaCommunity Council is up for another good scare, so join us – if you dare,” saidShelly Blanchard, executive director. “If it’s fun you’re looking for, we’re never far away.”   
A portion of the proceeds will benefit Rancho Cordovacommunity activities presented by the Cordova Community Council.


Heartstoppers Haunted House will host its Grand Opening Thursday,Sept. 29 and will operate for the public Fridays and Saturdays each weekend inOctober, 7:30 – 10:30 p.m. Two Sundays, Oct. 21 and 28, 7:30 - 10:00 p.m. Andadditional dates on Oct. 30, until 10:30 p.m. and 31, until 11:30 p.m. Halloweenweek will include Tues. and Wed. night. Ticket booth opens at 7:00 p.m. Viewthe full schedule here.
FOR MEDIA ONLY – Heartstoppers Haunted House will host acomplimentary open house for media and their families on Thurs., Oct. 4 from 4:00-7:00p.m. To RSVP please email Heather Atherton at [email protected] by Monday, Oct.1.

Dallas Fan Days Celebrates National Comic Book Day
From Marvel to DC Comics Dallas Fan Days Offers Unique Fan Opportunities
 
Every year on Sept. 25, comic book readers, collectors, lovers and fans celebrate National Comic Book Day. From Marvel and DC to Garfield and Calvin and Hobbes, comic books have continued to be an influential part of our society’s culture.
 
First popularized in the 1930s, comic books quickly became an important pillar for creative storytelling. Artists and publishers have turned a simple picture book into a multibillion-dollar industry, providing the source material behind many the of biggest blockbusters and hit television series of the past decade. According to Comichron, comic book sales are up 15 percent from previous years, estimating around $296 million in 2018 alone.
 
“Comic books have continued to become a cultural unifier,” said vice president of Fan Expo HQ, Andrew Moyes. “People all over the world connect over their love and passion for comic books, and we see that at our conventions year after year. Dallas Fan Days affords guests the opportunity to meet legendary comic book creators, attend workshops and seminars, get their comics signed and meet other enthusiasts.”
 
Many comic artists and writers have been able to put their passion of comics into a beloved career. Dallas Fan Days, one of the best comics, sci-fi, horror, anime and gaming events in Texas, allows these artists and writers to come together for a bigger purpose – to share that passion with the world.
 
Some of the world’s biggest comic book creators will be featured at Dallas Fan Days on October 19-21, with hourlong panels of their own. Attendees have the opportunity to ask questions and hear the perspectives of those who shape the industry. The 2018 Dallas Fan Days Comic Artist featured guests include:
 
Pat Broderick – known for his work on the “Micronauts” and “Alpha Flight” for Marvel Comics, and “Legion of Super-Heroes,” “Captain Atom” and “Green Lantern” for DC Comics, Broderick also penciled Marv Wolfman’s four-part "Batman: Year Three" storyline, which detailed the first meeting of Batman and Tim Drake.
 
Dave Dorman –  legendary Illustrator best known for his “Star Wars” artwork. He has done illustrations for Marvel, DC Comics and Dark Horse. His artwork has appeared in Batman, Spider-Man, Superman, G.I. Joe, Alien, Predator and Indiana Jones, to name a few.
 
Scott Hepburn – an illustrator and cover artist for Marvel. He is most known for “Spider-Man/Deadpool” and “Deadpool.”
 
Also appearing at the 2018 Dallas Fan Days are:
Sam De La Rosa – “Spider-Man/Deadpool”
David Angelo Roman – “Rick and Morty”
Lawrence Reynolds – Illustrator
Jeff Balke – Colorist
Ryan Kincaid – Cover Artist
Mohammad Jilani – Illustrator
Kathryn Crenshaw – Cartoonist
Andrew Herman – “Zoe Dare”
Dusk Comics – “Miss Tilney”
Shonuff Studios - Cartoonists
 
Within Dallas Fan Days is Artist Alley. Indie meets pro in this special area where guests find all of their favorite pencillers, inkers and writers. This is a “must experience area” for anyone interested in meeting the rising stars and the people who work the front lines of the industry. Here guests find it all – comics, graphic novels, limited edition prints and, best of all, original art and sketches! Also located in the Artist Alley area, the Indy Press Pavilion brings a fine lineup of independent comic book, zine and other related publishers.
 
Additionally, hundreds of retailers from all over will be in attendance specializing in everything comics, sci-fi, horror, anime and gaming. Numerous retailers have exclusive comic book back issues and graphic novels by many of the 2018 Dallas Fan Days creator guests.
 
Dallas Fan Days, the pop culture extravaganza, is host to tens of thousands of fans at the Irving Convention Center for the three-day event this fall. Dallas Fan Days has a full schedule packed with panels from celebrities, voice actors, anime superstars, comic book creators, cosplayers, internet celebrities and sci-fi, fantasy, horror and gaming personalities, to cosplay contests, gaming and more.

This year’s celebrities include:

Matt Smith, “Doctor Who;” Karl Urban, “Star Trek;” Jennifer Morrison, “Once Upon A Time” and “House;” Bret Hart, wrestling icon; Jaleel White, “Sonic The Hedgehog” and “Family Matters;” Ray Park, “Star Wars;” Kristy Swanson, “Buffy The Vampire Slayer;” Kevin Sorbo, “Hercules;” Corbin Bernsen, “Star Trek: The Next Generation;” John De Lancie, “Star Trek: The Next Generation;” Jason David Frank, “Power Rangers;” and Breckin Meyer, “Robot Chicken.”
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Dallas Fan Days is Oct. 19-21 at the Irving Convention Center, 500 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Irving, TX 75039. Ticket prices start at $20. To purchase tickets, go to https://www.dallasfandays.com/en/tickets/admission.html.
 
For more information, please visit the Dallas Fan Days website at www.DallasFanDays.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram andTwitter. General inquiries can be sent to [email protected], exhibitors can contact [email protected] and questions about tickets can be sent to [email protected]. Fan Expo After Hours is the official biweekly podcast that celebrates all things Pop Culture! The show is available on SoundCloud, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts and Google Play.
 

About Dallas Fan Days
Dallas Fan Days is an annual comics, sci-fi, horror, anime and gaming event in Texas. It is packed with exciting family-friendly activities, celebrity & comic guests, and much more! The pop culture extravaganza is host to tens of thousands of fans at the Irving Convention Center for the three-day event every fall. Dallas Fan Days is owned by Fan Expo HQ, one of the largest entertainment convention groups in North America. Collectively it hosts over 500,000 fans annually at Fan Expo Canada, Fan Expo Boston, Fan Expo Vancouver, Fan Expo Dallas, Toronto Comicon, Calgary Expo, Megacon Orlando, Dallas Fan Days, Edmonton Expo, Fan Expo Regina and Megacon Tampa Bay. For more information, go to www.DallasFanDays.com.

Thank you to DallasFanDays.com for the information.

Here is the Eventbrite link to all of the upcoming screenings:
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https://www.eventbrite.com/d/tx--austin/aghora/?q=aghora&page=1&lc=1&mode=search

Thank you to thegrapevine.com for the info.