Zombies stagger into Russellville Oct. 3

Zombies take over the streets of downtown Russellville each October.

By Alison James

alison.james@fct.wpengine.com

The undead will walk the streets of Russellville soon, bringing terror upon the city as they lumber through downtown.

Perhaps it sounds like an impossible scary story, relegated to late night campfires under a glowing full moon, but this scene will be reality Oct. 3, when zombies are brought to life for the 3rd Annual Zombie Walk, hosted by Russellville Public Library.

“We originally started it as a way to get more young people into the library,” explained library director Ashley Cummins. “Walking Dead was really popular at the time … so we took that and just ran with it. The first year was a huge success.” Cummins said they blew their 100-participant goal out of the water. “We were supposed to open the doors at 10:30 a.m … I was running a little behind, but I wasn’t in a big hurry; (my grandmother) calls me at ten minutes until 10 a.m. and says, ‘Get here now. There’s 200 people outside.’ So it was really a great success.” They ended up with more than 300 people all told.

It was such a success, there was no question whether they would host it again. The second year’s turnout was a bit reduced, but with a few kinks worked out and a better organization plan in place, Cummins said they are looking for this year’s zombie walk to be another raging success.

Make-up begins at 10 a.m. the day of the walk, and Cummins said they recommend people arrive early to secure their spot in line. Professional make-up artists will turn everyday citizens into zombie terrors, at no cost to participants, thanks to sponsors of the event. Food vendors will be on site – to eliminate the need for eating brains – and all kinds of activities will be offered to keep zombies occupied until time for the walk – like a zombie bake sale, zombie trivia and a brain eating contest.

Clara Belle and the Creeps will entertain from 3-5 p.m., after which the zombie walk will begin. The route runs down Lawrence Street from the library to Jackson Avenue and then continues on Jackson to the courthouse.

“When you’re doing the zombie shuffle, it can take a little bit of time,” Cummins said.

The walk is open to, and appropriate for, all ages, but Cummins recommended parents arrive with young children earlier, so they get a chance to see their friends and neighbors prior to being zombie-fied, making it less scary.

Their youngest participant last year was 6 months old. “He was the cutest zombie,” Cummins said.

Sponsors are still needed for the community event. Sponsorships, Cummins said, help the library to offset the costs of the event. Volunteers are also needed to help with the day’s activities.

For more information find “Zombie WALK hosted by Russellville Public Library” on Facebook or call 256-332-1535.