Zombie ‘outbreak’ benefits local food bank

Who says a zombie apocalypse is a bad thing? It seems the walking dead have become the new — and somewhat unpleasant — faces of charity.

Local zombie enthusiasts gathered on Saturday evening Oct. 15 to participate in Lynchburg’s first Zombie Walk, which was organized as a charity event for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.

“I think it’s fun and different,” participant Brad Bennett said. “It’s something that seems to be catching on in bigger cities too.” Bennett and his wife, Lyndsey, both attended, decked out in full zombie attire.

The open community event consisted of more than 100 participants who donated canned goods and non-perishable foods, which were creatively placed in a real coffin accompanied by a hearse.

However, the “undead” participants seemed to benefit more from the Walk as they exhibited their creativity through both costumes and theatrics.

Zombies from all walks of life were represented, including zombie brides, zombie babies in strollers and even a zombielike Hulk Hogan.

The eccentric parade began its trek in Amazement Square and continued through the historic district of downtown Lynchburg. Participants staggered their way down Main Street and 9th street as curious onlookers followed behind.

Secret judges in the crowd picked the most creative costumes to be awarded prizes. Event organizer Patrick Hubble rallied participants, reminding them of official Zombie Walk Rules (which included refraining from chasing innocent onlookers).

“We’d really like to be able to do this again,” he announced. Hubble was the principle organizer of the event and currently serves as Funeral Director for Tharp Funeral Home.

Aside from benefitting the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, the Zombie Walk also partnered with local businesses, such as Skull Fly Accessories, which hosted a table full of quirky accessories. Newly opened Visulite Cinemas offered a discounted showing of “The Thing” for Zombie Walk participants at the conclusion of the event.