THE walking dead will take over Commercial Street on Saturday night for the ninth annual Mount Gambier Zombie Walk.
The event will see the undead meet at Vansittart Park at 6pm before making their way to the Cave Gardens at 7pm.
Organisers Kylie Bamford and Sharmaine Fogarty expected around 80 zombies would attend the event, which this year will raise funds for the Mount Gambier branch of Riding for the Disabled Association.
Ms Bamford said the decision to donate to the recreational organisation had been embraced by return participants and the wider community.
“A lot of people know we are donating to RDA this year and people are really supportive of it,” she said.
“It is a good local organisation and one of the big things for the committee is to make sure the walk stays local.”
Riding for the Disabled Association Mount Gambier committee member Natalie Zwar said she was overwhelmed by the Zombie Walk’s committee offer to raise funds for the organisation.
The centre provides opportunities for people with disabilities to enjoy a safe and healthy recreational experience using horses.
Ms Zwar said running costs of the centre were around $15,000 per year, with client riding income totalling around half of the expenditure.
“We are run totally by volunteers, so any funds are gratefully accepted,” she said.
“Just running the horses section is probably $7000 to $8000.
“We have six horses and they all have to be looked after.
“The money we get from client riding probably covers half of it, so we always have to raise funds to cover the other half.
“On behalf of the committee and the RDA community, we are really grateful because seriously, RDA does not run without all of it.
“You need coaches, you need horses and you need volunteers and if you do not have one of them it does not work and it cannot run.”
Since its inception, funds raised at the event are donated to a different community organisation each year.
Previously, the Zombie Walk has supported a number of local organisations, including Meals on Wheels, Sunset Kitchen and the South East Animal Welfare League.
Ms Bamford encouraged zombies young and old to attend the family-friendly event.
“It is a great event for all the family and it is a way to raise funds for a good cause while having some fun,” she said.
Best dressed prizes and free lolly bags will also be on offer at the Cave Gardens following the walk.
