BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WBNG) – The 10th annual SerlingFest wrapped up its last day at Rec Park in Binghamton Sunday afternoon.
The final day featured a reading of the late Rod Serling’s work and facts about his life, presented by fans, members of the Rod Serling Memorial Foundation and his family.
The festival hosted about a dozen presentations Friday and Saturday, with filmmakers speaking on Serling’s life at the DoubleTree Hotel in Binghamton.
Family reflects on Serling’s influence
Rec Park has multiple statues, but only one drew a crowd.
“Serling was from here, he lived up the street about two blocks that way on Bennett Avenue, that’s where both he and my dad grew up,” Jeff Serling said.
Rod’s nephew, Jeff Serling, is a board member of the Rod Serling Memorial Foundation and said his uncle’s influence on Hollywood and entertainment is widespread.
“Everywhere, everywhere. If you look at pop culture now, even just going back to the movie Sinners, which Michael B. Jordan won an academy award for, Ryan Coogler said he was inspired by a Twilight Zone episode from the very beginning of the show. So it’s everywhere,” Jeff Serling said.
Fan recalls Serling’s influence in school
Larry Solomon, a Twilight Zone fan and SerlingFest attendee, said he was nine years old when he watched the original broadcasts. He said Serling’s writing style influenced him at a young age.
“By the time I got into the sixth grade, I was writing papers as you do. And the teacher would always say, ‘you didn’t write this! You wrote, “For the birds have forsaken the skies, and man now…” There were parts of me that were copying his style!’” Solomon said.
Solomon said he thought it was beautiful how Serling’s style brought fans from multiple generations together.
“I’m seeing guys my age and young people and it’s just wonderful! We’re just all here to celebrate his life because… what an extraordinary life,” Solomon said.
Once the event ended, family, foundation members and fans gathered for a group picture taken by a drone.
Organizers are already preparing for next year’s festival.
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