It's almost time for this year's Sideshow Gathering, held this year on November 2nd, 3rd and 4th in Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania.

Last year's sudden passing of the convention's founder Franco Kopssa left the future of a smoothly-running annual event in uncertain hands. Even the most capable future organizers can't easily replicate an event whose details had been worked out largely by one devoted man over years of increasingly popular gatherings. It is, and has been, a labor of love by all involved, clearly not done for profit.

But hey You gotta try to carry on. So there will be benefits to help support the cause, and the next one is in just a couple of days.

The Seismic Sideshow, October 5 at the Red Palace in DC, presented by James Taylor's Shocked and Amazed and sponsored by Ripley's Believe It Or Not!, will feature Todd Robbins, Coney Island sword-swallower Heather Holliday, demented burlesque diva Reverend Valentine of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Pretty Things Peepshow, and several stars of DC's own Cheeky Monkey Sideshow including the magnificent Mab Just Mab, Mr. Eon; and Swami YoMahmi, plus surprise special guests!

Proceeds benefit the Sideshow Gathering and admission is just $10