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The undead live it up at this year’s Zombie Walk

Long Beach Marina Green Park became a contamination zone Saturday night as zombies staggered about, some even crawling on the ground. It was not the end of times, though the religious protestors at the front gate would argue otherwise. This “contamination zone” was actually the festival grounds for the Long Beach Zombie Walk.
The zombie fest grew from 300 zombies walking down 4th Street before a screening of “Shaun of the Dead” in the Spring of 2009, to an event that broke a world record last year with over 12,000 zombies in attendance.
The increasing popularity of Zombie Walk is what led to the venue change. This was the first time that the event was held at the Marina Green Park and Shoreline Village. It has now grown into a full-fledged music and arts festival, with some of the most unique halloween-themed bands around.
Inside the contamination zone were vendors, beer booths, carnival games, food trucks, face painters that turned “survivors” into undead monsters and a booth where visitors could take a zombie wedding picture. There was also a stage where live bands were playing on one end and a large screen on the other end where “Shaun of the Dead” was shown.
Cal State Long Beach alumni Celia Deluca and Colin Newman said they came to the festival to support local businesses.
“It’s a unique way to celebrate Halloween,” Deluca said. “I love that this something that Long Beach has. It’s also a great way to support local business, which is what Long Beach is all about.”
They chose to transform themselves at one of the face painting booths. Deluca tore Newman’s t-shirt, and they bloodied their faces with help from special effects artist Mari Idaka.
“She always likes to bite me,” Newman said.
Deluca said the Zombie Walk was a way for her and Newman to express their “primal humanity without actually doing it.”
Logan Crow, of the Long Beach Cinematheque, started the Zombie Walk. The event continues to grow with many local businesses participating.
This year, zombie-friendly businesses will give those with Zombie Walk ticket stubs a discount until November 15. For a list of participating businesses, visit zombiewalklb.com.

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