WHILE the Mount Gambier Showgrounds will come alive with fireworks and sideshow-alley fun on October 26, Commercial Street will be overrun by the undead as the 2019 Zombie Walk takes place.
Now in its 10th year, the Halloween tradition is expected to attract hundreds of supporters to the heart of Mount Gambier, this year raising money for Four Reasons Why.
Event organiser Kylie Bamford said the walk started as a social event for like-minded people after moving to the region a decade ago.
“After I attended around three Adelaide events, I loved it so much and thought I would bring it here too,” Ms Bamford said.
“I had also lost my cousin and my pet dog at the same time so it was something I could relate to and it kind of was my way of coping.”
Ms Bamford said over the 10 years, the event had raised around $12,000 to local charities in the region.
Four Reasons Why founder Trudi Shelton said she was grateful for events like the Mount Gambier Zombie Walk.
“We are coming up to two years since establishment and we survive on people fundraising at this point,” Ms Shelton said.
“It is amazing to see this support with funding going straight back into the community.”
Clashing with this year’s Mount Gambier Spring Show, Ms Bamford said she hoped the walk would still attract a large number of scary-looking zombies.
Ms Bamford said her favourite aspect of the event was opening the lolly box for the children involved.
“When they all come running at once, it is like the little mini hoarde of zombies running towards us,” Ms Bamford said.
“You can still see smiles on their faces underneath all their makeup.
“It is very family-orientated and it is great to be apart of the community.”
Ms Bamford said the event tied in well with Halloween, with the 2020 event to fall on the official day.
The October 26 event will start at Vansittart Park from 6pm, departing down Commercial Street at 7pm to the Caves Gardens where raffles and prizes will be drawn.
An all-ages after party will be held at the Limestone Coast Pantry from 7pm, with live entertainment from The Stiff Nips, The Lazarus Theory, Chelsea Manor, The Fifth of June and Willoism at 8.30pm.
Tickets are available on the night from $15 for adults and $5 for children under 13.
A gold coin donation from each walk participant will be donated to Four Reasons Why, along with proceeds from the after party event.
