The undead walk among us again
A horde of shambling, groaning, brain-hungry zombies is set to sweep through downtown Kamloops ON Saturday afternoon.
But, don’t start stockpiling on canned goods and ammo or making apocalypse survival plans just yet. These particular zombies are just looking for a bit of fun.
Started seven years ago, the Kamloops Zombie Walk has only two rules: Come in costume and don’t break character.
“Everyone has to be a zombie,” said organizer Bonnie McLean. “It has to have the right look. We’ve all got to commit to being zombies here. It’s not just a little parade.”
The walk is open to anyone and begins at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27, outside Pandora’s Costume Box, 753 Victoria St.
Past walks have attracted about 50 undead participants, often sporting impressive getups.
“There was a mother and daughter team and the mother was a bride and her daughter was a bridesmaid. They were all bloodied up and horrible and the daughter held her train the whole time,” McLean said.
“It was really cute.”
Between the howls and moans and staggering, the walk is also a chance for zombie aficionados to chat about their love of the living dead — swapping makeup tips to create the best gaping wounds or discussing the best zombie flicks and books.
“I don’t really know these people, but I do know them because they’re there every year and we’ll say hi and you get to see their new, fabulous costumes,” said McLean.
“You show up and, all of a sudden, there are all these other people who’ve been working just as hard as you and are just as creative and passionate and interested in zombies.”
For the most part, McLean said, Kamloopsians react pretty well to finding themselves in the path of a swarm of the undead.
“Most people just think it’s hilarious and they get their camera phones out and they take pictures and they’re laughing,” she said.
“But, some people get really upset. I think they’re actually scared.”
Those who aren’t so pleased about the zombie invasion may be able to take heart, however.
Last year, McLean said, a few brave zombie hunters showed up to chase the pack — and will likely do the same this weekend.
COMMENTS
Let's keep comments:
We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters.
We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.