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For the contest, Merasty submitted a picture of himself in a real bodybag. (Image Credit: Submitted photo.)
Frightening opportunity

Sandy Bay man aims to win horrifying contest

Oct 29, 2026 | 2:31 PM

A man from Sandy Bay wants to be the face of Halloween.

Scott Merasty has entered the international competition, where the winner will receive $13,000 and appear on the cover of Rue Morgue magazine.

They will also a chance to appear on TV with Kane Hodder the actor who played Jason in the Friday the 13th movie franchise and join a real ghost hunt.

“In my world everyday is Halloween and I really enjoy anything involving death, dead bodies and anything scary and creepy,” Merasty wrote on his profile.

As of Thursday afternoon, Merasty was eighth in his group and the next stage of voting was scheduled to end Thursday night. When asked what he would do with the $13,000, Merasty replied he would buy as much make up and other supplies to keep learning how to apply and create more realistic injures and other wounds


(Image Credit: Submitted photo.)

Another question posed to contestants was why do they think they would make it to the end of a Horror Movie.

“I’ve watched so many horror movies. I know not to run into the forest, laugh off or make jokes about the noises or whatever someone else hears ,to run and not stand around screaming and most of all listen and watch out for anything unusual,” Merasty said.

The online contest helps raise funds for Starlight Children’s Foundation, which delivers happiness to seriously ill children and their families.

“Halloween is one of the special moments of childhood that every kid should have the chance to enjoy,” said Adam Garone, CEO of Starlight Children’s Foundation.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell