It was an interesting way to begin a morning on Saturday July 19th.  Excitement was in the air as paranormal fans waited in line to check in at the Belleview Biltmore for the day’s activities.  The people were from various levels of interest in the paranormal.  Some were curious, some had knowledge of the paranormal and some were serious investigators.  Most of the people I talked with were from within the state and a few from out of state.  Registration was scheduled to begin at 8:00 am but actually began at 8:30 am.  As with any new event there were bugs to be worked out of the system.  We continued to wait and more people slowly arrived.  There was not parking at the Belleview Biltmore unless you were a guest due to the limited parking area.  As a result, people were encouraged to park in downtown Clearwater where locations were given for pick up by the Jolly Trolley.  Another option was given to park at a golf country club 1.9 miles away and catch a shuttle compliment of the Belleview Biltmore. At 9:00 am the Starlight Room opened where various vendors offered services or items for sale and viewing.  Among the items was a crystal skull called Synergy.  Guests were offered an opportunity to touch the skull and ask questions of its caretaker Sherry Whitfield Merrell.

Tickets rated from a one day charge of $35 to a two day charge and a VIP package.  I chose the one day package.  There were certain events, which were open to the general public and others to the VIP ticket holders.  The autograph room was located on the back Carriage Porch and opened to everyone.  Needless to say the line was long and full of enthusiastic fan waiting to actually meet their idols from the programs.  However, if you had a VIP ticket you were escorted to the front and did not need to wait in line.  While standing in line we were informed they were accepting cash only for autographed pictures and items.  Hmmm.  Should I lose my place in line and join the line now forming at the ATM or remain where I was?  I chose to tough it out and remained in line.  Such information as this would have been nice to know about prior to getting in line.  Once in the room you were free to meet the TV personalities, get autographs and pictures.  However, you could not pose side by side with them, as the line needed to keep moving.

The TAPSCon personalities were very great with the fans. They posed for pictures and talked with fans anywhere they could.  They were not snobs at all and you could see their fans were important to them and visa versa.  They were very human and down to earth and appreciative of their fans being there. The only time you could not approach them is when they were eating.  The person I stood in line with twice had a dream to have her picture taken with Grant from Ghost Hunters.  Finally as he was exiting the Carriage Porch for his lunch break she shyly approached him and asked if she could pose for a picture with him.  Grant was very polite and helpful.  He posed and I snapped the picture of them together.  If you could have seen the radiance of her smile as I did you would understand how much these personalities mean to their fans.  In addition, not only the families of the fans but also the families of the celebrities attended this event.  Attending with Grant Wilson and Jason Hawes were their wives.  Dave Tango brought his father and I believe Alexandra Holzer brought her husband and four children. This was one of those rare times when you could combine business and pleasure successfully.

I had the privilege to meet Ciaron O’Keeffe from television’s Most Haunted.  He was a very nice person with whom I talked with for a few minutes, as he was familiar with the part of England I was from.  Ciaron was gracious enough to pose for a picture and sign an autograph while enroute to his speaking engagement.  Later when I saw him again in the autograph room he gave a big smile, waved and called me by name.   

The next person I met was Barry Fitzgerald from Ghost Hunters International.  As with Ciaron he was enroute to a lecture.  Also with Barry was Robb Demerest from the same program.  Robb kindly took a photo of Barry and myself together.  However, it did not show clearly on my camera due to the lighting.  Robb was gracious to try a couple of more times and was not ready to give up until there was a picture we were both satisfied with.  I spoke with Barry briefly about a subject we were interest in.  However, our conversation was cut short due to his schedule and he promised to look for me later.  True to his word Barry found me and we continued our conversation for a while without being interrupted. It was very nice to see how much a gentleman he was and how he respected the fans.  In addition, he also remembered me as I passed through the autograph line and again said hello.

I attended a lecture given by Alexandra Holzer who was promoting her new book Growing Up Haunted about life with her famous father Hans Holzer.  She was energetic, happy and very interactive with the audience as information was exchanged. Alexandra is a warm and caring person who is happy to meet with people, have her picture taken and talk about things that are important to them.

The day was coming to a close and at 6:00 pm the convention closed for the day.  If you bought a two day ticket you would continue with the convention the next day.  Throughout the day they had been giving away an EMF meter every 30 mins. and people were checking the board hoping they had won. I know because I was one of them.  No luck.  Overall it was an interesting day full of activity.  I later learned the scheduled Saturday evening event of a Royalty Theater investigation with Patrick Burns had been cancelled due to technicalities.  Instead they investigated the Belleview Biltmore.  In conclusion, TAPSCon can be a family event.  Some may say there was a carnival like atmosphere with all the related booths and items for sale, etc. Others with a curiosity about the paranormal are seeking answers.  Still the serious paranormal investigator might be a bit board but it does offer the opportunity of networking, finding friends and if you are open minded finding information.