Rondos name Patrick McCray "Best Writer" of 2017

The winners of this year's Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards were announced online last night. When the dust had settled, DARK SHADOWS had done pretty well for itself. Our own Patrick McCray was named "Best Writer" of 2017 for his ongoing feature here, "The Dark Shadows Daybook." Here's what the Rondos had to say about him:

Patrick McCray

Few people know the secrets of Collinsport more than Patrick McCray, a Dark Shadows expert whose contributions to the Dark Shadows Daybook keep horror's enduring scare opera alive for new generations. A writer who viewed 1,225 episodes in 45 days, he shares his obsession with Collinsport fans daily.

There were some interesting runners-up, as well. The Collinsport Historical Society received an "honorable mention" for Best Website, while Rod Labbe's interview with DARK SHADOWS alumnus Marie Wallace from issue #104 of Scary Monsters was a runner-up for "Best Interview." You can see the full list of this year's winners at the official website of the Rondos HERE.

Now in its sixteenth year, the Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards nominees are based on suggestions offered by fans and professionals at the Classic Horror Film Board, a 23-year old online community. The award itself was sculpted by artist Kerry Gammill ("Action Comics," "Power-Man and Iron Fist") and cast by modeler Tim Lindsey. The award is a miniature version of the bust of actor Rondo Hatton created for 1946's HOUSE OF HORRORS.

This year’s e-mail vote drew more than 3,700 ballots, which is reportedly a record for the Rondos.