Carolina Fear Fest spooks Raleigh

The inaugural convention was held at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds on Memorial Day weekend

A 1941 Chevrolet COE, the vehicle of choice of the Creeper in the three-movie horror series "Jeepers Creepers," was one of the attractions at the first annual Carolina Fear Fest held over Memorial Day weekend at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. (Isabelle Lavalette / For the North State Journal)
Character actor Michael Berryman, best known for his roles in “Weird Science,” “One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest” and “The Hills Have Eyes,” signs pictures during the inaugural Carolina Fear Fest held on Memorial Day weekend at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. (Isabelle Lavalette / For the North State Journal)

RALEIGH — You’ve heard of Christmas in July, but how about Halloween in May? The inaugural Carolina Fear Fest took place at the State Fairgrounds on May 25-26, bringing an eclectic mix of horror to the Jim Graham Building.

The event featured actors and artifacts from some of Hollywood’s horror franchises, including a grown-up Alex Vincent — the actor who played Andy Barclay, a boy who receives a Chucky doll that comes to life, from “Child’s Play”  — and the instantly recognizable Michael Berryman, best known for his roles in “Weird Science,” “The Hills Have Eyes” and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.”

A vendor looks at masks during the inaugural Carolina Fear Fest held on Memorial Day weekend at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. (Isabelle Lavalette / For the North State Journal)

The haunting truck from the “Jeepers Creepers” film series and various people dressed up as famous characters — from Michael Myers to various monsters and villains from local haunted attractions that pop up in the fall — made for a creepy experience on Memorial Day weekend.

There was also some fun, with a full-size Mystery Machine — complete with a stuffed Scooby-Doo — and a live pro wrestling exhibition, along with panels, makeup competitions and vendors selling everything from comic books and horror-themed pillows to realistic masks.