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Home > Blogs > The Lounge Lizards > Archives > 2011 > June > 03 > Entry
The most UNDEAD party ever
Anyone who says that Dayton is a dying city may have been proved correct Friday night — in a good way.
The Oregon District was filled with hundreds of undead pedestrians who left actual trails of blood on the sidewalk and brought all live traffic to a stunned halt.
The third annual Dayton Zombie Walk was bigger and bloodier than ever this year. Adding to the chaos was the intermingling of the First Friday Art Hop crowd and the usual sprinkling of Friday-night bar-goers. There was even a zombie wedding in the middle of it all.
It all added up to a scene kinda like this: Four female zombies stumbling along like a very dark Sex and City episode followed by a group of middle-aged couples dressed up and heading for a cocktail at Sidebar across the street from a mingling of zombie clowns?
While the undead was certainly the general theme, many used the occasion to dress up in whatever Halloween costume they felt like showing off in early June. I saw a Captain America and a cowboy somewhere in there. Maybe it was a zombie cowboy and an undead Captain America.
First time zombies Kay Carver, 23 of Dayton, and Carrie Moran, 22 of Centerville, said they thought it looked like fun and decided to join in.
“We got our makeup done for like $5,” Moran said. She’s watched the Zombie Walk in past years and said the crowd was definitely bigger this year.
Dean and Kenny, the owners of ReCreate, a musical instrument, art and furniture shop that opened at 438 E. Fifth St. in January of 2010, were hanging outside enjoying the view.
“We give it a thumbs up!” Dean said. “I think everything that brings the people together downtown is a good thing.”
He said everyone seemed to be behaving themselves and police officers who were on hand to help direct traffic and keep everyone safe said the event went very smoothly with no major incidents.
One group who may have wanted some more bloodshed and action was the S.T.A.R.S. Tactical Gaming group. They travel to zombie events across the state to, well, kill zombies. A few were carrying actual airsoft guns which they were asked to stow so no one got hurt.
Zeke Sadiqi, 24, was dressed in zombie killer gear with a large fake sword for beheading. He said zombie killing isn’t his life calling, “It’s just a hobby,” he said.
In the end it appears that no human brains were consumed and everyone had a really lively time.
“It’s something new and different instead of the normal party,” said Wright State student Amanda Hiltner, 20. “Any excuse to dress up like it’s Halloween.”
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: Events
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By Stupid
June 6, 2011 10:02 AM | Link to this
This is the most absurd thing Ive ever seen. Halloween is one thing but this is just demented. This is an event where losers can try to be somebody. What a waste of human energy. Dayton should be ashamed of themselves for letting such an event even to happen.The town is dead enough. You want to showcase it’s losers as well. SICK
By Cat
June 6, 2011 10:23 AM | Link to this
I realize everyone is entitled to an opinion, but I think it’s very fitting that the above comment was written by someone titled “Stupid!” Not only did the walk prove Dayton is a fun place to live and hang out in but the event also held a food drive right along with the walk proving even the undead have hearts :)
By Noemon
June 6, 2011 9:40 PM | Link to this
Hey, Stupid, you may not be aware of this but zombie walks are becoming a not-uncommon occurrence in cities all over the country. My only regret is that I didn’t hear about this one until after the fact. I’d have loved to have come down and participated.