Turns out, zombies are a lot harder to kill than initially thought...
Three months -- almost to the day -- after it was announced that Phoenix's Zombie Walk was no more, organizers revealed Wednesday that the event has been brought back from the dead.
"We wanted to bring Zombie Walk back but it had to be the right fit," said Downtown Phoenix Inc. President and CEO David Krietor in a prepared statement.
In May, organizers said the event had grown so much (20,000 people attended last year) and garnered so much attention that it was difficult to physically and financially support the event. They made the tough decision to cancel the event, but quietly hoped another organization would take it on.
"We had to lay in the weeds a little while, took our punches," said R.J. Price, spokesperson for Downtown Phoenix Inc., a community development group that works to promote downtown activities and businesses. "This was kind of a do-over. Hopefully we're able to mend some fences."
They have partnered with the Arizona Hemophilia Association and The Warehouse District to put on this year's event.
It will be a little different than years past, but will highlight the features that participants cared about most, said Price.
WHAT'S CHANGING WITH ZOMBIE WALK 8?
NEW LOCATION & ROUTE - The walk will start and end in the downtown Phoenix's Warehouse District. This area used to be Phoenix's Chinatown, but has since been revamped into bars and event spaces, including The Duce, Chase Field and Sports 7 Grill.
HOURS: The length of the event has been shortened. Gates open at 4 p.m. The walk begins at 5:30 p.m. The costume contest will start at 7:30 p.m. and everything wraps up by 8 p.m.
ADMISSION: No real changes here. The event itself is free, but a $5 donation to the Arizona Hemophilia Association is expected.
COSTUME CONTEST: No major changes here either. Instead, an elevated highlight. The costume contest will be the focal point of the zombie walk, so make sure to work extra hard on your transformation. This means the headline concerts of year's past will no longer happen.
PUB CRAWL: No big party this year. Instead, those 21 and up can stay out later for a zombie-themed pub crawl. Wristbands for the pub crawl will be available for purchase and will benefit the Arizona Hemophilia Association.
The event will take place on October 29, just before Halloween. If you're looking to test out a zombie-themed costume, it could be the ideal place and time.
For the Arizona Hemophilia Association, which is located off 5th Avenue in downtown, it will be an ideal way to raise awareness about the disorder and the organization.
Further details are still coming. A website will be created for the walk with updates and resources.
