It takes a village…to plan a ZombieFest

  • Planning for the October 27 Zombie Walk is underway at Computers and Games in Frazier Park, (l-r) Christian Suorsa, Eric Ransom, James Henry, Trina Ransom, Ryan Dickson, Marie Smith, Scott Parsons, Megan Henning and Shannon Finneman. [photo by Patric Hedlund]

    Planning for the October 27 Zombie Walk is underway at Computers and Games in Frazier Park, (l-r) Christian Suorsa, Eric Ransom, James Henry, Trina Ransom, Ryan Dickson, Marie Smith, Scott Parsons, Megan Henning and Shannon Finneman. [photo by Patric Hedlund]

By Patric Hedlund

An impressive balance of wacked imagination and careful planning describes the small tribe of young people gathered at Computers and Games on San Gabriel Trail in Frazier Park last weekend.

They were reviewing guidelines for the second annual ZombieFest parade down the center of Mt. Pinos Way in Frazier Park, “the last Sunday in October”—this year, October 27.

Businesses and residents are invited to make it a “trunk or treat” this year, by bringing Halloween goodies to pass out at the event. “We don’t want people throwing candy. The kids will come up to you,” co-coordinator Scott Parsons said. People can set up treat stations in pickups or car trunks, along both sides of Mt. Pinos Way. “Please hand your gifts or put them directly into containers,” the guidelines say.

Marchers must stay on the main road. Orange-shirted safety patrols will keep kids from wandering down side streets. Parsons is stone-cold earnest about the need for safety as well as fun in the event.

Mt. Pinos Way will be closed 4-5 p.m. from Monterey Trail’s four-way stop to the church parking lot east of Ace Hardware. “About 250 marchers are expected,” Parsons said.

Four zombie make-up booths will open at 2:30 p.m. at Computers and Games, Buddha Bears (next to the pharmacy), Wicked Beautiful (in Alpine Plaza) and outside of Sue’s’ Tavern for free assistance with zombie transformation. Costumed marchers are asked to also sign up at those tables, to be considered in the costume competition judging.

Costumes of all kinds are invited—bunny rabbits and princesses, astronauts and superheroes are all welcome too. Those who are not zombies will lead the parade, followed at a distance by the Z-crew.

“No live steel, knives, guns or weapons of any kind will be allowed as part of costumes,” Parsons said. Alcohol or controlled substances are not welcome at the festival. And please, no overtly sexual costumes: “This is a family event,” guidelines state. Children under 10 years of age require adult supervision.

It is rumored that Supervisor David Couch may appear as a MegaGhoul to lead the parade.

Computers and Games (633 San Gabriel Trail) will be the volunteer hospitality center. Water and job assignments will be distributed there. That will also serve as Lost & Found, and a station for lost children.

Volunteers are still needed (call 661-242-1214). Jobs include makeup artists, makeup assistants, patrol, runners, costume judges and a hospitality crew.

This is part of the October 18, 2013 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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