Aidan Curtis
MOUNT Gambier is preparing to be overrun by an undead horde as the annual Zombie Walk returns for its 13th year.
The family fun event will see community members dress in all manner of spooky outfits and stumble their way down Commercial Street.
Zombie Walk organiser Kyler Bamford said she has seen a lot of excitement ahead of the event so far and hopes people turn up in droves.
“This year, being lucky 13, or unlucky for some people, I think it’s going to be a real big hit and the weather should hold out, so it should be fun,” she said.
“I hope for a 50 plus kind of crowd, it always depends because sometimes there are other events going on.
“We’ll just wait and see what happens and once we have a good amount of people, we’ll start the walk and hand out our prizes.”
Ms Bamford said the Walk is still going strong after all this time through the people involved and how it has turned into a real family spectacle.
“It’s always been a good crowd, we get a lot of families that come along,” she said.
“I’ve watched a lot of young kids grow up over the years and slowly start to bring their own families – it’s a bit of a tradition for some of them.”
More than anything, though, Ms Bamford said she just wants to see people enjoying being dressed up and having an absolute ball.
She said the Walk will also be raising money for the children’s ward at the local hospital, with zombies being encouraged to donate a gold coin on the day.
“Kids get really involved and I was trying to think of an extra way we can put that support back into the town,” she said.
“The kids in the children’s ward can always do with some extra presents at Christmas time, an upgrade on the playground or something like that.
“Even arts and crafts to keep them going while they’re in hospital, so it makes it a bit more fun and not just that hospital experience.”
Ms Bamford said she hopes this year’s walk sees a lot of community participation as it will be her last year at the helm.
She said she will hand over the reins after Saturday.
“I think it’s a bit too much for me, it needs a bit more young blood, fresh blood,” she said.
“The person that I’ve chosen, she loves dressing up just as much as myself, she’s really involved in the town.”
Prizes will be on offer for those who go all out on their costumes, with raffles and other fun to be found along the way.
The event will start with a meet up at Vansittart Park at 4pm on Saturday, October 29 with the Zombie Walk starting at 5pm.
