Volo Museum visitors can meet Svengoolie Oct. 29

Currently the subject of a well-deserved MeTV tribute, Rich Koz - aka quirky, beloved, outlandishly attired horror-film host Svengoolie - will meet with Volo Museum visitors from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29.

"He's a definite fan favorite," said Jim Wojdyla, marketing director for the museum, 27582 Volo Village Road, Volo.

"It's exciting for us because this is the first time he's been back here since 2019. For visitors, it's a great chance to see the man in person, have an item autographed, and just enjoy a special Halloween season day at the museum."

There's no extra fee to attend the meet-and-greet. A professional photographer will be on hand to capture fan interactions, with an album to be posted on the museum's Facebook page.

Koz took over as Svengoolie from the classic, Chicago-based horror film host's originator, Jerry G. Bishop, in the late 1970s - initially as "Son of Svengoolie," a stint that ended its run in 1986.

According to published reports, when Koz approached Bishop about reviving the Son of Svengoolie persona in 1995, Bishop told Koz he was "all grown up, just be Svengoolie." And nearly three decades later, Koz is still at it.

The portrayal has gained much acclaim over the years, with 70-year-old Koz now counting among his fans such cinema icons as Mark Hamill and Joe Mantegna. The aforementioned tribute, "Svengoolie's Halloween BOOnanza," is airing on MeTV throughout October.

"Because of the pandemic, Svengoolie has made only one or two public appearances in the last several years, so I know this turnout will be a lot larger than before," museum director Brian Grams said. "There is a lot of excitement building around this event. Get here early!"

Wojdyla said the museum also will host magical performances by Edd Fairman, known as the Wizard of Sorts, and the Great Boodini as Capt. Pumpkinface during the pre-Halloween weekend.

Featuring everything from hundreds of modern muscle, classic collector and iconic Hollywood cars to a military museum, hand-carved vintage carousel and more than 10,000 mechanical marvels, Volo Museum has something for everyone.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $19.95, $17.95 per senior, $16.95 for military personnel, $12.95 for children ages 5-12; and free for children 4 and younger.

For more information, visit volofun.com.