Page 24 - The Springs Magazine July Issue 2018

24 • The Springs • July 2018
Eddie Munster Brings

Monster Koach to Spa-Con

Butch Patrick, of Eddie Munster fame, will bring the Monster Koach and Dragula Tribute
Cars to Spa-Con in September. Patrick is one of two dozen celebrities scheduled to attend.

Butch Patrick, who became a worldwide TV star at the age of 7 and went
on to play werewolf Eddie Munster on “The Munsters” series, will be a special
celebrity guest at the Third Annual Spa-Con multi-genre comics and pop culture
convention in Hot Springs, September 21 – 23. Patrick will be joining legendary
actress Pam Grier and a group of other special guests who were announced earlier
for Spa-Con.
“Eddie Munster and his monstrous family became cultural icons in the
1960s, and their popularity has never waned,” said Bill Solleder, marketing director
for Visit Hot Springs, which sponsors the convention with the Garland County
Library. “Plus, Patrick will be bringing along the Munster Koach and Dragula
Tribute Cars as a special added treat.”
Born in 1953, he was spotted by a Hollywood talent agent at the age
of 7, which led to a series of appearances in television commercials and guest
appearances on TV shows.
He played Eddie in 70 episodes from 1964 to 1966. Patrick starred
alongside Fred Gwynne as Herman Munster, Yvonne De Carlo as Lily Munster and
Al Lewis as Grandpa.
When asked how he landed the role of Eddie, Patrick recalled “I had a lot of
experience. But maybe it was because my fangs were my own teeth. My teeth were so
bad, that even when I closed my mouth they stuck out. I was about a head smaller than
the other kids, and they liked that because it played off Herman’s height.”
Patrick continues the Munster’s legacy by touring with the Munster
Koach and Dragula Tribute Cars, and the original 1964 Barris/Von Dutch Chain
Link Schwinn Stingray Bike, and other Munster props to include Munster Go-Cart,
Baseball Bat, Wolf Wolf, Miniature Spot, and Street Signs.
“Altogether, we will have more than two dozen celebrity guests at this
year’s Spa-Con,” Solleder said. “We had over 5,000 people in attendance last year.”
Spa-Con, presented by Visit Hot Springs and the Garland County Library,
will be held at the Hot Springs Convention Center, with an array of activities that
will include laser tag, an escape room, video games, panel discussions, workshops,
cosplay contests and interaction with the celebrity guests.
Weekend passes and VIP passes for Spa-Con 3 are on sale now at www.
spa-con.org. For more information, call Bill Solleder at 501-321-2027.
Gospel Concerts at Hickory

Hill Park

Come enjoy Outdoor Gospel Music Concerts at Hickory Hill Park. Nestled
among shade trees in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains, the natural beauty of the
park is undisturbed. The hillside Amphitheatre which provides an intimate view
of the stage and beautiful flowers grace the many beds scattered throughout the
grounds.
Come enjoy The Hawkins Family every 4th Saturday Night thru September
2018. Snacks and sodas, free parking and free admission (offerings are appreciated).
Bring your lawn chair! Hickory Hill Park, 216 Bryant Rd.
Concert Schedule:
July 28th - Master’s Touch
August 25th - Hackett Family
September 22nd - Junction 5
For more information, contact Lou Tabor at 501-623-8068 or just visit us
at www.hawkinsfamilyministries.com.