It’s October, and that means falling leaves, pumpkins, Halloween and Zombie Walk! The 4th Annual Zombie Walk of Alexandria will take place on Saturday, October 20th, presented to you by The Cenla Zombies Association. Zombie Walks take place in urban centers and have become popular in large cities. Wikipedia defines a zombie walk as an organized public gathering of people who dress up in zombie costumes and make their way around city streets to a public place in a somewhat orderly fashion.
Alexandria’s 1st Zombie Walk in 2009 was an improv event, promoted through Facebook and MySpace, with over 120 zombies of all ages united in downtown. In 2010, the Z-Walk became an organized event and grew to nearly 1,000 participants. Desoto Street will be closed for a free, family-friendly, smoke-free and alcohol-free block party. “Thriller” dancing, costume contests and face-painting are all highlights of the event. The 3rd Zombie Walk in 2011 was the 3rd largest draw of people to the downtown Alexandria area. The “Spirits” food truck was there serving special items just for the Zombies.
Every year, an organization is chosen to benefit from a portion of the proceeds. This year, The Muscular Dystrophy Association has been chosen, and all the money stays local. Cenla MDA patients receive assistance with wheelchair repairs, doctor visits and medical tests. A Muscular Dystrophy Support Group is held monthly at Rapides Regional Medical Center in the Gallery Room at 6:00pm on the fourth Thursday, and is open to the public. Past organizations that were supported by Alexandria’s Zombie Walk have been the Arts Council of Central Louisiana, The Food Bank and Cenla Downs Syndrome Association.
The 4th Annual Zombie Walk of Alexandria kicks off at 5:00pm with the official Gathering of Zombies. Stand up and be counted on Desoto Street and enjoy face-painting and live music. The Official Zombie Walk through the streets of downtown Alexandria will begin at 6:30pm with an escort by the Alexandria Police Department. At 7:00pm, the Zombie Walk Award Ceremony will be held, honoring Costume Contest winners and featuring a Jello Brain eating contest. For those Zombies over 21, the official After Party will be held at Finnegan’s Wake immediately following.
Actual weapons of any kind are not allowed! All weapons, even parts of a costume, will be confiscated by CZA Security and/or Alexandria Police Department. Fines may be issued, arrests could occur and you could be removed from the event. Only toy or novelty props are allowed and are subject to approval by a CZA Staff Member or APD. Also remember that Zombie Walk is a smoke- and alcohol-free event.
During the event, participants are encouraged to remain in character as zombies, and to communicate as only a zombie would. This may include grunting, groaning and slurred, moaning calls for “brains.”
Many dedicated organizers, supporters and sponsors are behind this event, including Taking It 2 The Streets, Tamp & Grind Coffee and Finnegan’s Wake. Official Zombie Walk t-shirts available for purchase at Tamp & Grind Coffee for $10.00!
Want to be a sponsor? Want more info? Contact us on Facebook at Cenla Zombies Association or 4th Annual Zombie Walk of Alexandria. See you there!
