Dozens of zombie enthusiasts will walk the streets of Blairmore later this month during the first annual Crowsnest Pass Zombie Walk and Pet Food Drive on Sunday, October 30th.
Dripping in fake blood oozing from artificial wounds, stumbling down the street and moaning for “braaaains”, participants will make their way through downtown Blairmore, while at the same time helping out the Crowsnest Pass SPCA.
The fun, all-ages event is free to participate in, however organizers encourage donations of pet food, cat litter, or treats to be donated to the local animal shelter.
Organizer Chris Jaeger said he has wanted to attend the annual zombie walk in Lethbridge for the past few years, but has never been able to.
“Every time, I either can’t get time off work, or when I do go, it ends up being cancelled,” said Jaeger, who works at Blairmore’s Movie Alley.
“So, I figured if I can’t go, why not just bring one here?”
He quickly decided if he was going to organize a local zombie walk, he would also like to see it benefit the community in some way.
“You can have zombie walks without having a cause, but if you’re already getting that many people together, you might as well do it for a good cause,” he said.
After considering a few different local charities, Jaeger ultimately settled on the SPCA after friend and regular Movie Alley customer Kendall Brands - owner of Feelin’ Knotty Professional Hair Care and Elvis’ Blue Suede Paws Kitty Rescue - voiced her desire to get involved.
“Kendall is really into helping animals so we figured that would be a good cause,” said Jaeger.
“We’re already doing something that’s a little unconventional, so we thought an out-of-the-ordinary cause was a good fit.”
The event was originally planned for Halloween night, but after several kids and young parents with plans to trick-or-treat on Halloween night voiced an interest in participating, organizers decided to hold it the night before.