On Saturday, July 12th and Sunday, July 13th, CT’s Original (and only) Paranormal Convention returns for its electrifying fifth year—this time bringing its one-of-a-kind experience to Waterbury, Connecticut in the Crosby High School gym complex. As fans descend upon Waterbury from across the country, they’ll be welcomed into an immersive atmosphere unlike any other: one where seasoned ghost hunters, bestselling authors, investigators of the unexplained, and the legendary figures of paranormal media gather to share their experiences, insights, and chilling stories. This milestone fifth-year event promises to be the biggest and most dynamic yet, with a stellar lineup of paranormal celebrities including psychics, mediums, haunted location experts, and reality television stars who have brought the supernatural into living rooms worldwide. From eerie encounters to haunted history, attendees will be able to meet their heroes face-to-face, ask the questions that keep them up at night, and dive into the pulse-pounding realm of the unknown.
The paranormal and horror communities are unlike any other fandoms in the world—fueled not just by thrill or nostalgia, but by a shared fascination with the unseen, the unexplained, and the edge of fear where curiosity lives. What sets these fans apart is their deep emotional investment in stories that transcend the veil of the ordinary. They’re not just consuming entertainment—they’re connecting over collective wonder, dread, terror, and a reverent respect for the mysteries of the unknown. From ghost stories passed down through generations to cult classic horror films and modern investigations into the supernatural, this community thrives on the eerie, the enigmatic, and the electrifying pulse of the otherworldly.
As a result, the paranormal entertainment industry has exploded in recent years, drawing thousands to popular conventions where legends of screen and spirit collide. Yet amid the crowded calendar of events, ParaConn has quickly emerged as a crown jewel of the summer convention season—an immersive, two-day experience that has quickly become one of the hottest tickets in town. More than just a convention,
ParaConn is a celebration of all things strange and supernatural, uniting die-hard fans, leading experts, ghost hunters, authors, and paranormal icons under one roof in a way few other events dare to do. With its unique ability to blend spine-chilling entertainment with deep explorations into the occult, psychic phenomena, the afterlife, and the paranormal field, ParaConn has solidified its status as the definitive annual gathering for those who walk the line between belief and fear. It’s no longer just an event—it’s a spooky phenomenon.
ParaConn isn’t content with just resting on its already impressive laurels. This year, the event expands even further by embracing another electrifying genre that shares deep roots with the paranormal: true crime. For the first time in its chilling history, ParaConn will host a specially curated lineup of true crime speakers, forensic experts, criminal profilers, and investigative journalists who bring the dark realities of real-life mysteries to the forefront. This fusion of horror, hauntings, and hard truths opens the door for a wider audience and creates an experience that spans both the seen and unseen, the spectral and the psychological. Whether you’re drawn to the flickering shadows of a haunted asylum or the intricate details of an unsolved case, this year’s ParaConn ensures there’s something for everyone. It’s a haven for horror fans, a sanctuary for seekers of truth, and a playground for believers in the unknown. With its unbeatable mix of spectacle and substance, Waterbury will soon become the epicenter of the paranormal world—and those who attend will become part of a growing legacy that defines what it means to be part of a truly unique and passionate community.
ParaConn is presented by The Shaman & The Showman LLC, a powerhouse boutique promotions company that has redefined what it means to bring the paranormal to the public stage. At the heart of this dynamic organization are two visionary forces: Charles F. Rosenay!!! and Thomas Patrick Gormley, a duo whose combined talents and passions have forged an unforgettable experience for fans of the strange, the spooky, and the unexplained. With Rosenay!!!’s long-standing reputation as an impresario of eerie events and Gormley’s deep-rooted expertise in paranormal investigation and the true crimes field, the team has created a blueprint for success that few other promoters have been able to replicate. They understand that true paranormal fandom isn’t just about scares—it’s about connection, curiosity, and, most of all, a sense of community. Together, they have mastered the art of blending authentic supernatural subject matter with top-tier entertainment, curating events that don’t just inform or frighten, but captivate and inspire.
In many ways, it is this balance of showmanship and sincerity on the part of its founders that has earned ParaConn its stellar reputation and rapid rise as one of the most beloved and talked-about events in the horror and paranormal community. Rosenay!!!, from New Haven, and Gormley, from Berlin, have tapped into something truly rare—a way to celebrate the unknown with both reverence and entertainment, offering audiences an unforgettable fusion of dark thrills and genuine insight. They are specialists at bridging the generations—bringing in legacy voices from the golden age of paranormal research and horror cinema, while also showcasing the new wave of creators, investigators, authors, and on-screen talents who are redefining the genres for the digital age. Gormley is known throughout the world as the “Archangel of The Paranormal.” He is a veteran investigator, a seasoned mystic, and true crimes expert who, along with Stacia Wills heads “Wardruna,” a global network comprised of some of the most preeminent experts in psychic phenomena. Rosenay!!! is the organizer of the “Dracula Tours to Transylvania,” “GHOSTours to Europe,” as well as the producer of an annual Halloween attraction at East Haven’s Shoreline Trolley Museum. Also a veteran actor and author of the books, True Ghost Stories of Connecticut, The Book of Top 10 Horror Lists, and The Book of Top 10 Beatles Lists, Rosenay!!! is no stranger to the stage or to the entertainment industry.
To celebrate its fifth year, ParaConn welcomes as its special “Special Celebrity Guest of Honor” Butch Patrick of “The Munsters” fame, offering fans an opportunity to meet the TV star, take photos, and get autographs. Also appearing is “The Godfather of the Paranormal,” John Zaffis. They are the headliners, but there are more than 30 leading voices of the paranormal, including the star of Hulu’s “Repossessed,” Leitreanna Terry-Brown, “Mr. Haunted” Jimmy Petonito, Waterbury’s own renowned psychic, Patti Griffin, paranormal and true crime producer Gwen Johns, and celebrity psychic medium April Busset. A complete list of the guest speakers and celebrities can be found on www.ParaConn.org.
Another guest slated to appear over the weekend is Kenneth Drake. Often affectionately branded “Hollywood’s Psychic,” Drake has long openly credited The Shaman & The Showman LLC for inspiring him to return to the convention circuit. It was ParaConn that inspired him to return to the stage to reach a new generation of fans. Now touring in promotion of his newest book, Branded by Spirits: A Life Between Worlds, when asked for comment, Drake says, “I would cross oceans of time for Charles and Thomas. The entire paranormal community owes them a tremendous debt of gratitude. I’m a fan of every single person on these lineups and to even be included is an honor I cannot even express. I’m grateful. ParaConn, for me, is a family reunion. I genuinely love these people.”
ParaConn runs from Noon-6pm both days (with an early-bird V.I.P. option for $25). General admission tickets are only $19.99 advance/$25 at the door. The weekend pass is $35 in advance. There is free parking, and the facility is air conditioned. Outside, there will be food trucks and live music by the rock band Painted Owls from Houston, TX. Tickets: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/para-con/ParaConnV2025
The ParaConn Facebook Event Page is https://www.facebook.com/events/1178169320539597. For further information, email CTParaConn@gmail.com, visit the website www.ParaConn.org, or phone (203) 795-4737.
The complete weekend schedule of speakers and panelists has been released:
SATURDAY JULY 12
11AM V.I.P. Admission – Early-Bird Visit to Special Guests, Authors, Vendors, Readers, and Exhibitors. Access to front row seating.
NOON General Admission Doors Open
12:15 Jimmy Petonito: “Mr. Haunted Origins”
1PM Sam Baltrusis and Heidi Kemper: “Ethics in Mediumship”
1:45 Ron Yacovetti and Lourdes Gonzalez: “Analytic Idealism, Paranormality, & Spirit Communication”
2:30 The Shaman and The Showman: “A Haunting in Waterbury”
3PM John Zaffis, Bill Slevin, Carl Johnson:
Chronicles of Demonologists”
3:45 Stacia Wills and Kathy Feketik: “Wardruna: Origins of a Healing Mission”
4:30 Laurissa Rex, Dave Childers, Alaura Hewey, Matt Brown: ”24 Hours in Hell Experience”
5:15 Danny and Lauren Perez/ The Radikals: “True Crime Objects: Echoes of Violence”
Last call to visit the vendors for special deals or readings. SHOW ENDS at 6PM. SEE YOU TOMORROW
SUNDAY JULY 13
11AM V.I.P. Admission – Early-Bird Visit to Special Guests, Authors, Vendors, Readers, and Exhibitors. Access to front row seating.
NOON General Admission Doors Open
12:15 Leitreanna Brown, Gwen Johns, Blaine Rohan, and Nate Elwell: “All Access Network TV: Serial Killers, Super Natural, and Murderers”
1PM Kenneth Drake: “Hollywood’s Psychic; The Call of The Spirit World”
1:45 April Busset: “Why Psychic Mediums are essential in Paranormal Investigations and TV”
2:30 The Shaman and the Showman: “Investigating the State of the Paranormal in the State of CT”
3PM Butch Patrick: “From Eddie Munster to Today”
3:45 Patty Griffin: “Whispers From Heaven”
4:30 Natalie Jones, Shannon Collins, and Kara Philip: “The Woman of Paraflixx”
5:15 Special Wardruna Experience Psychic Gallery – Panelists to be Announced
Last chance to visit the vendors for special deals or readings. SHOW ENDS at 6PM.
All images courtesy of Tours of Terrors and ParaConn
