Spirit Halloween announces plans for the fourth annual ZOMBIE walk at Meadowbrook Mall.

 

Sporting their most creative zombie costumes and effects, individuals of all ages are invited to take part in the walk which will be held Saturday, Oct. 21. In addition to being a fun, seasonal event, the walk raises money for WVU Children’s Hospital as 100 percent of the proceeds are donated to the medical facility.

 

In its debut year, the walk raised about $2,500, but has grown to an event which including post-event donations cleared $26,300 in 2016, said regional Spirit Halloween Manager and Event Organizer James Vanscoy.

 

Meadowbrook Mall Marketing Director Robin Urquhart said entire families - in full zombie-style - turn out for the event annually. 

 

“We love being able to offer events that are family-friendly, plus this event also generates donations to WVU Children’s Hospital," she said.

 

Participation is $5 per person for the walk which begins at 8 p.m. just outside of Target. 

 

Between noon and 7 p.m., professional makeup artists will be at the Spirit tent and for a donation of $25 will provide makeup and special effects. Between 4-7 p.m., a meet and greet will take place with a yet-to-be-announced special guest. 

 

Those taking part in the ZOMBIE Walk can register at the Spirit Halloween tent between 12 to 7:45 p.m. The tent is located in the front mall parking lot. After paying the fee of $5, individuals will receive a bracelet indicating they are registered.

 

Vanscoy said he initiated the local ZOMBIE walk in 2014 after hearing about the success of walks in other parts of the state.

 

“We had nothing like it locally so I did some research to see what it would entail and decided to work with Robin at the mall and put one together,” Vanscoy said. “She was excited to try it and is always up for new ideas so we gave it a shot and it worked out pretty well.”

 

Knowing the popularity of “The Walking Dead” series, Vanscoy reached out to star Jeremy Ambler, who was the walk's special guest during the first three years. His participation made the event even more fun and has likely drawn many people, Vanscoy said. 

 

Stay tuned for the announcement of this year's special guest, he said.

 

Spirit Halloween carries a full line of zombie gear including a “Walking Dead” section. By selling “Spirit for Children” bracelets, the store annually raises money for WVU Children’s Hospital throughout the Halloween season.