Tue October 11, 2011
Batavia MainStreet Introduces: Zombie Walk 2011
A Flesh-Eating Addition to BatFest Brings The Undead Downtown
This year on October 22nd, Batavia MainStreet is introducing an event that is intriguing for all involved (and for all observing). Music Buffs and S.T.A.G.E. booster organizations have joined forces with Batavia MainStreet to host the first ever Zombie Walk with proceeds benefiting the booster programs and MainStreet. All ages are invited to participate in the inaugural Zombie Walk as full-fledged, slow-walking, flesh-eating Zombies to infiltrate downtown.
Zombies will gather at their chosen Quarantine Zone at 4pm, with the walk beginning at 5pm. There are designated routes all heading toward the Peg Bond Center, culminating with the Batavia Academy of dance teaching Thriller, and a Zombie Dance Party. Quarantine Zones can be found on Batavia MainStreet's website and are being advertised around town on a movie-style poster by Pedersen Design.
Zombie Walk registration is $10, which includes participation in the walk, a Zombie makeover if desired, a lesson from Batavia Academy of Dance in THRILLER, and a free raffle ticket for the chance to win a brand new iPad2 from Apple. Raffle tickets are available to the general public as well, priced at $10 each, or $40 for 5 tickets. All proceeds from registration and raffle go towards Music Buffs, S.T.A.G.E. and MainStreet.
“This is a fun event for all ages.” says Elaine Mainzinger of Batavia Music Buffs. “The Batavia Music Buffs are proud to be associated with S.T.A.G.E. and Batavia MainStreet to bring the community together in the Zombie Walk.” Steve Burrichter, of Batavia's S.T.A.G.E. concurs. “We are very thankful for the support of Batavia MainStreet for the work of our students! We also appreciate the efforts of Batavia MainStreet to present a fun activity for the young people of our area. S.T.A.G.E. is happy to help provide some of the great prizes for this event.” In addition to the iPad2, raffle prizes include a pair of tickets to S.T.A.G.E.'s Beauty and the Beast Character Breakfast, as well as delicious autumn themed packages from Kuiper's Family Farm and a gift certificate for spirit wear from Bulldog Boosters.
A full schedule early on will keep the family busy with frighteningly fun opportunities. A 5K run hosted by the Batavia United Way begins at 8am. At 10am, the haunts begin with downtown trick-or-treating, booths hosting games and leading art projects, and a Pumpkin Roll (BYOP or purchase a pumpkin on-site) for $1 per roll. The Batavia Public Library will hold BatFest Stories & Songs at 11:15am, followed by the Halloween Parade of Costumes. From 12-2pm, the family can enjoy tractor-pulled hayrides, a Trunk-Or-Treat session, and more!
But don't wear yourself out – at 1:00pm, Batavia Academy of Dance will teach choreography for The Monster Mash! Stop by for the dance party just a half hour before the Costume Contest is held at 1:30pm, hosted by BATV. If you're in for a chilling performance, Batavia's own Albright Theater will thrill you with their adaption of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. You'll have two chances to catch their show – at 2:30pm & 7:30pm.
For a full BatFest schedule and more information on how to be your best Zombie, please visit www.downtownbatavia.com or call 630-761-3528.
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