Hofstra University students and residents of Long Island were able to come together for all things spooky, unnerving and macabre on Saturday, March 14, and Sunday, March 15, in the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex for the Moonlight Market Expo. This event was the first of its kind to be hosted in the complex, with two floors of vendors, workshops and performances.
The expo, hosted by El Churro Entertainment, brought a unique collection of people and merchandise to Hofstra’s campus, as well as special guests including actor Harvey Guillén and contortionist Doug Jones.
Throughout the venue, there were over 150 vendors selling tarot decks, spellbooks, taxidermy and unique trinkets, providing a space for collectors who enjoy less conventional items. Similarly, clothing and accessories were offered by several other vendors, including custom-made vampire teeth and necklaces made of animal bones.
“If you want a stuffed alien, you come to Moonlight Market,” said Chaz Velez, representing the Long Island Ghostbusters children’s charity at the event. “If you want some amazing jewelry, some fun anime pins, if you wanna get a horse that’s been stuffed and miniaturized and put in a jar, we could probably find you a vendor.”
Both floors of the Complex were lively. There were free workshops for several interesting topics, such as moth pinning and Victorian mourning rituals. Participants were encouraged to take home what they made during their workshops as keepsakes.
Performances took place on the right-hand side of the second floor which included cover bands, open discussions and, most notably, the burlesque performances that happened throughout the entire weekend.
Huntress Holly, the host for the burlesque shows, was hired to work with the expo after she had participated in one of their dance-off events. Holly said that events like this can be very beneficial to the local community.
“I feel like alternative style – like goth culture and alternative culture – is a very niche thing, especially on Long Island,” Holly said. “There are a lot of people out there who enjoy the style and enjoy the things that come with it, but there’s not many events.”
Gabe Kurtz, a sophomore health science major, felt similarly, having previously gone to alternative events in his hometown in Florida.
“It’s such a fun way to meet new people, and for people who aren’t part of this scene already, it’s a way to get to know it in a safe and fun environment,” Kurtz said.
While the event wasn’t Hofstra affiliated, many students who stayed on campus for the beginning of spring break were able to enjoy the festivities.
Awsten Word, a sophomore criminology and psychology double major, thinks the university should host more events like the Moonlight Market Expo.
“What made me really excited for this was the fact that I’ve never been to an oddities expo, and I’m a very alternative person,” Word said.
Word talked about the convenience of being able to access the event due to its on-campus status.
“I think it is so cool, and I really hope that they host it again,” Word said. “Being able to just walk from my dorm to an event like this is awesome.”
Community events, like the Moonlight Market Expo, allow for better connections and similar events to be held in the future.
“I feel very strongly about Hofstra as a school contributing to the greater Long Island community,” Kurtz said. “I think being able to host events like this is a really nice way to show our support and get our name out.”
