Groans, moans and rotting flesh are in the cards for downtown Phoenix this Saturday
Zombie Walk 7 will shuffle its way onto Heritage Square Park on Oct. 24 with music, food, activities and a relatively dead parade across the streets of downtown. But don’t let the theme (and possible horror) assuage the family from taking part in the festivities. The walk continues to be open for all ages since its inception, and invites everyone to dress up in their best undead attire.
Sara Anderson, Director of Events for Downtown Phoenix Incorporated, says that the Walk grew from the idea of a few Downtown Ambassadors.
“One of the ambassadors said, ‘Let’s do something that’s just walking through downtown, with people dressed as zombies.’”
She said the first Walk brought 50-100 people to the event, with numbers doubling every year since. After that first year, they became more than simple stuttered strolls down the city streets.
“It’s grown to become a festival as well,” Anderson said.
This year, the festival will once again sport a variety of vendors and bands to set the mood on the main stage. California rock band Alien Ant Farm is set to headline the music, and their appearance came through a partnership between DTPHX and rock radio station KUPD.
The food will come from not only four local food trucks, but downtown restaurants as well such as Rose and Crown, Nobu and Pizzeria Bianco. The world’s largest VW bus, the Walter bus from the Walter Project, will be there as well for people to take a tour of.
Also open to Walkers will be the Rosson House museum, as well as a high jump provided by action sports company StuntRun as a part of their ThrillSeeker events.
Not to leave out the kids, Anderson spoke on the “Little Zombies Zone,” which will feature players from the Diamonbacks, and activities from the nearby Science Center. She emphasized that the Zone will be interactive in order to keep the younger ones entertained.
Anderson also said that the Walk was partnering with donation company Goodwill, who will be providing a “Zombification Zone,” to gain food donations for St. Mary’s Food Bank.
“Since its Zombie Walk 7, we’re going for a seven ton food donation,” she said. “Last year it was right around two tons, so it’s a lofty goal – but we’ve already started.” She said that anyone interested in donating ahead of time can drop their items off at the Ambassador Information center on Adams St between Central Ave and First Ave.
Lea Soto, Marketing Project Manager of Goodwill Central Arizona, expanded on the company’s role in the Walk. She said that attendees will need five cans of food to be “zombified,” and that the Zone will provide the necessary outfits to transform attendees into the walker of their style.
“If you’re not ready for the Zombie Walk, but you’re there and need to find a cool zombie outfit, you can come visit us at the zone,” she said.
Soto also said that this was Goodwill’s first time with the event.
“We’re excited to be a part of it and to partner with Downtown Phoenix for it. It’s our first year getting out there and bringing this opportunity to the zombies out there who might need to get their outfits together and get that look down.”
Anderson stressed that the Walk is meant to be open to all. “It’s really meant to be a free family-friendly event - it gets people to meet their community and see downtown Phoenix while dressing up like zombies in the meantime.”
Journalism major Taylor Rearick isn't too big a fan of zombies, but she loves a particular hit show that features those of the rotting flesh.
"I watch the 'Walking Dead,'" she said. "It's a good show, but I'm not caught up on all the seasons yet."
Zombie Walk 7 will take place in Heritage Square Park in Downtown Phoenix on Oct. 24, from 2-11 pm. The walk will take place at 7, and donations are accepted to gain access to the “Zombification Zone.”
