‘Nightmare on Elm Street II’ director coming to Tampa horror convention

TAMPA — Those who love movies about monsters, nightmares and things creep in the night can come out of the shadows this week for a convention celebrating the horror film genre.

The annual Tampa Bay Screams Convention returns to Tampa on Friday from 5-10 p.m. and Saturday from 12-5 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Tampa Westshore, 700 N. Westshore Blvd.

Celebrity guests include director Jack Sholder, who had Freddy terrorize teens as they slept in “Nightmare on Elm Street 2″ and actress Tamara Glynn, whose Sammy character tried and, of course, failed to defeat Michael Myers in “Halloween 5.”

Also appearing is actress Patty Mullen, whose onscreen husband in the horror comedy “Frankenhooker” accidentally chopped her to pieces with a rogue lawnmower and then put her back together with body parts from prostitutes who exploded after smoking his super crack. Not only did that movie happen, but it’s a cult classic among horror fans.

Those in attendance can mingle with the celebrities, take pictures, have memorabilia signed and peruse the convention floor for their favorite horror DVDs and VHS tapes, toys, posters and other gory gifts.

For more information and tickets, visit gatorbladefilms.com.