It’s October and that means, falling leaves, pumpkins, Halloween and Zombie Walk! Saturday, October 18th, 2014 will be the 6th Annual Zombie Walk of Alexandria, 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 and over 120 zombies of all ages united in downtown Alexandria. In 2010, the Z-Walk became an organized event and grew to nearly 1,000 participants. Desoto Street was closed for a free, family-friendly, smoke-free and alcohol-free block party. “Thriller” dancing, costume contests and face-painting happened during the event. The 3rd Zombie Walk in 2011 was the 3rd largest draw of people to the downtown Alexandria area. The 4th Zombie Walk in 2012 had over 2,000 Zombies and Zombie Hunters of all ages in attendance. 2013 was our largest walk to date with over 3500 Zombies, Zombie Hunters, Survivors and spectators filling downtown Alexandria.
Every year an organization is chosen to benefit from a portion of the proceeds. This year The Friendship House Adult Day-Services, Inc. has been chosen and the money stays locally. Friendship house provides a safe, and caring day program where adults find a renewed sense of self-worth through healthcare, social activities and recreation. They are located at 114 Sixth Street, Alexandria, Louisiana. Past organizations that were supported by Alexandria’s Zombie Walk have been the Arts Council of Central Louisiana, The Food Bank, Cenla Autism Network.
The 6thAnnual Zombie Walk of Alexandria’s schedule of events includes the 5:00pm Gathering of Zombies, where you can stand up and be counted, at the Third Street/ Mini Park Area in Downtown Alexandria. The Gathering will feature face-painting and live music by Gypsy Blue! At 6:30pm, the Official Zombie Walk through the streets of downtown Alexandria begins with an escort by the Alexandria Police Department. Following the walk, at 7:00pm, the Zombie Walk Award Ceremony, including Costume Contest, plus awesome door prizes will be held! 6th Annual Finnegan’s Wake Official Zombie After Party for 21+ zombies kicks off at 9:00pm. The National Guard will have their rock-climbing wall present and there are all of your favorite food vendors attending! Come hungry!
Zombie Walk does have a few rules. This is a smoke-free/alcohol-free event! It remains family-friendly. Actual weapons of any kind are not allowed! All weapons, even parts of a costume, will be confiscated by CZA Security and/or the 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. 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. The 6th Annual Zombie Walk of Alexandria’s presenting sponsors this year are UTLX, Daiquiris to Go, all in cooperation with The City of Alexandria. T-shirts are available for purchase at The Fall Art Walk on October 17th and during the event. New this year are limited edition commemorative t-shirts by a local artist with a numbered certificate of authenticity.
Want to be a sponsor? Want more info? Contact us on Facebook at Zombie Walk of Alexandria!
