Fredericksburg Zombie Walk set for this weekend

BY CRAIG SCHULIN

It has been established that persons who have recently died have been returning to life unburied dead have been returning to life and seeking human victims.

If Halloween had been over for several days, the above newscast interrupting your regularly scheduled show would probably strike you as a bit odd. Alarming, even.

But there’s no need to panic or start boarding up your doors and windows.

The quote is from the classic horror movie “Night of the Living Dead.”

So if that’s a movie, what’s with all the zombies in downtown Fredericksburg?

Video: Here are some highlights from the 2011 Zombie Walk

Those “zombies” you see walking through the streets are just your neighbors dressed as gory, slow-walking creatures out looking for donations of canned food.

Even if they really were the undead come back to feast on your brain, cut them some slack—they are out there stumbling along for a good cause.

“The Zombie Walk is a benefit event to support the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank and the Hope House, SECA and S.E.R.V.E.,” said spokeswoman Suzie Grumko. This will be the second annual walk, an idea that Grumko says came about during a social gathering of the Mean Mommy Club of Fredericksburg, a local charitable organization brought together by a passion for having fun and cutting up.

A scan of their Facebook page gives further insight. The club can be a support group or an outlet to chat about the rigors of daily life. For some, it could be a means of maintaining sanity.

“Last year we collected over 2,000 pounds of food for the Fredericksburg Food Bank, and this year we’ve expanded to collecting and raising money for the organizations in Spotsylvania and Stafford,” said Grumko.

Last year, Grumko and the other Mean Mommies did not know what to expect for the inaugural walk.

“Over 600 people showed up in costume, and getting the word out was largely done using Facebook,” said Grumko.

Many more were along the route as spectators.

With over 600 RSVPs on the Facebook site already, this year’s event is likely to be even larger.

“We have entire families of zombies taking part. We even have the Five 40 Roller Girls team,” Grumko said.

Prizes will be awarded in categories such as “most revolting” and “best undead celebrity.” There also will be prizes by age group.

Those participating are encouraged to read the rules found on the event website. Rules include such things as reminding folks not to lick storefront windows and to be respectable zombie members of society by leaving no mess behind.

What: MMC–Fredericksburg Zombie Walk

Where: Hurkamp Park, 500 William St., Fredericksburg

When: Saturday, Nov. 3,  3–6 p.m.

Cost: Free. Donations of nonperishable food items, household cleaning products or money are being collected.

Info: fredzombies.com

Craig Schulin: 540/374-5403

cschulin@freelancestar.com

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