(Utica, NY – Oct. 15, 2013) The 5th Annual Utica Zombie Walk will occur on Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. at the Stanley, located at 259 Genesee St., Utica.
The Utica Zombie Walk is an all-age, free event that allows participants to act out a simulated zombie invasion while also benefiting selected local charities.
In addition to the zombie walk, there are several other events taking place including a pet and human food drive, costume contest, the premiere of the short film Zombies in Utica and a zombie themed dance party at the Dev in downtown Utica.
After the walk there is an all ages after party at the Stanley featuring the Syracuse gothic rock band, Jayne Dracula. This year’s charities are the Food Bank of Central New York and the Stevens-Swan Humane Society of Oneida County.
Registration, the food drive, makeup and preparation of the zombie horde begin at 5 p.m. at the Stanley’s lobby and makeup room. The cost of registration is free, but participants are asked to bring one non-perishable pet or human food item and present it upon registration. Participants should also bring their own makeup if at all possible, although the zombie walk has a limited supply for free. Special effects makeup artists will be present to help turn participants into the walking dead. Musical entertainment by DJs Swan 7 and Vogel will accompany registration.
The zombie walk begins at 7 p.m. sharp. For the first time, organizers will allow participants to walk down the middle of Genesee Street which will be closed off for a portion of the route.
For those who are 21 years of age and older, a fully-themed zombie dance party begins at 9pm at The Dev, which is a short crawl from the Stanley located at 41 Devereux Street. Dance music DJs and local hip hop group 1 Fresh Set will perform. The cost of admission is $5. A portion of the ticket sales will be donated to this year’s selected charities.
For more information about the Utica Zombie Walk, please contact Kyle Riecker at uticazombiewalk@gmail.com, by phone at 315-525-4362 or visit the Utica Zombie Walk Facebook page.
About The Utica Zombie Walk
The Utica Zombie Walk is an annual grassroots event produced by two local production companies, Direkt Influence Productions, and Microcosm House. Since its inception in 2009, participation, media coverage and community support have steadily increased.
Last year’s fourth annual event greatly exceeded goals and expectations. With an estimated attendance of 300-500 people, the event raised over a ton of human food and over 100 pet items for the Steven Swan Humane Society of Oneida County and The Food Bank of CNY. The Utica Zombie Walk’s goal is to focus on local charities and businesses and grow the culture of a community setting. The event relies heavily on the kindness and dedication of a volunteer staff, along with the help of the city of Utica, local media, and local venue owners.