Tim Jacobus, illustrator of the original “Goosebumps” book covers, will appear Oct. 3 at Martinsville Uptown Oktoberfest for a meet-and-greet and autograph signing.
The appearance, hosted by Corey and Angela Agee of the Maskoween Project, will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Ground Floor in Uptown Martinsville during the Oktoberfest celebration.
Jacobus will sell and autograph sketches and poster prints featuring artwork from the “Goosebumps” series. Fans also are encouraged to bring original “Goosebumps” books and other memorabilia for him to sign.
Corey Agee said the event is the Maskoween Project’s second annual celebrity appearance event. The group hosted “Jason Lives Fan Day” last year, featuring C.J. Graham of the “Friday the 13th” franchise.
“We’re thrilled to bring Tim Jacobus from the ‘Goosebumps’ franchise to the Martinsville-Henry County area for ‘Goosebumps’ fans,” Agee said. “After our successful celebrity appearance event last year with C.J. Graham from the ‘Friday the 13th’ franchise, and the positive response we received, we knew we had something magical going for us here at the Maskoween Project.”
Agee said he and his wife attend horror conventions throughout the year, where they promote the Maskoween Project and build relationships with actors, artists and others in the horror entertainment community.
“Tim is one we’ve gotten to know really well over the last year or so, and we knew he had to be our next celebrity appearance for the area,” he said.
The Maskoween Project hopes to make celebrity appearances a more regular occurrence in the Martinsville-Henry County area, Agee said.
“Most of these horror celebrities are booked for appearances a year in advance,” he said. “When we told Tim about our community Oktoberfest, he made sure the date was available on his schedule so we could book him.”
Agee said arranging such appearances involves coordinating flights, lodging, appearance fees and other needs.
“But it’s most certainly worth it when you get to see the interactions fans have and watch them walk away smiling,” he said.
This October marks the 30th anniversary of “Goosebumps” book No. 48, “Attack of the Jack-O’-Lanterns,” one of Agee’s favorite books in the series.
“We will be celebrating that with Tim while he’s here in town,” Agee said.
“Goosebumps” book cover artwork poster prints, Jacobus’ sketches and other autographed items will be for sale. Guests’ “Goosebumps” book autographs and selfies are free.
For updates on future events, follow the Maskoween Project on Facebook.
