ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — Hundreds of horror fans were in St. Petersburg for this weekend’s Sunshine City Scare.
“There’s so many fun vendors here and there’s so many fun costumes in the costume contest,” said Mari C, a cosplayer with Sunshine City Scare. “Just seeing the craftsmanship and the hard work that they put in it — it’s insane. It’s amazing. It really inspires me.”
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Organizers estimate around 1,500 people came out through the weekend. Many of those visitors came dressed up as their favorite ghoulish characters.
“They have spent so much time and effort and intentionality in building everything from the ground up,” said Paul Perez, photographer for Sunshine City Scare.
“It’s just a great place to build up a little bit of that Halloween spirit,” said Nilla Grimm, director for Sunshine City Scare.
Grimm said they also brought in local vendors, hoping to give visitors something beyond this world, that they can find just around the corner.
“St. Pete is such a lovely place, I mean it’s got so much charm and it’s happy and it’s sunny,” said Seth Sjostrom, an author of thriller and mystery novels. “I think when the sun goes down we all get that little bit of wonder whatever’s out there.”
One of the biggest draws, visitors say, is to have a place where their niche interests are not only celebrated but encouraged.
“People are able to dress up and come here and be comfortable around everybody… It’s amazing,” said Morgan Crass at the event.
The last day of the event was Sunday. Organizers said they’ll be back at the end of next month for Anime St. Pete.
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