If you’re a family looking for something to do this weekend (and that loves getting dressed in costumes), this year’s 2nd Annual Zombie Walk might just be the place to start. The walk, which kicked off last year, is inspired by similar events that happen nation-wide and across the US, where participants dress like Zombies and walk.

“We really felt that doing a zombie walk was the perfect fit for this time of year,” explained Melissa Cauley, one of the organizers of the walk. “We had seen them run successfully in other areas, like Toronto, and decided to put our own spin on it and make it for a good cause.”

After doing some brainstorming on a charity that could fit with the walk, and was in need of support, they decided on the local branch of Crime Stoppers.

“Our slogan is ‘Fighting Crime One Zombie at a Time’,” said Ms. Cauley. “We wanted it to be for a good cause, but also have the kind of theme behind it that is family friendly. A lot of people think the zombie walks are geared for adults, but ours is designed for the whole family.”

Along with participating in the walk, kids will be able to do a number of other activities including getting balloons, the colouring table, and candy.

For those of all ages, there will also be a number of things, such as a bake sale, raffle table, face painting, a zombie make-up artist, airbrush tattoos, vendors and more.

“The walk is designed to be so much more than just a chance to walk for a good cause; it’s designed to be a community event that can get everyone engaged and to have some fun,” added Ms. Cauley. “And, if you don’t know how to make yourself look like a zombie, you can come early and get some help with that!”

The festivities will begin in the Orangeville Walmart overflow parking lot at 11 a.m. with the vendors, face painting and more. This year will also feature a raffle table with gifts donated from businesses local and abroad, as well as will feature prizes for the best costumes in a number of categories.

And if you have a four-legged friend you want to bring, there is even a special costume contest for best ‘zombified’ dog, with a prize provided by Pet Value.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun this year, and with how much it has already grown, we hope to continue seeing it move forward each year,” said Ms. Cauley. “The community support for it has been absolutely incredible. So many of our residents and local businesses are just really excited to be able to help out a great cause like Crime Stoppers.”

As of Friday morning, Ms. Cauley confirmed that along with a large number of prize and raffle donations, the walk had already received $300 in direct donations to Crime Stoppers.

“All proceeds raised from the event will be going to the Crime Stoppers Simcoe Dufferin Muskoka to help support their program in the local communities,” she said. “We really hope we can count on the community’s support in making this a successful event this year and for many years to come.”

The Zombie Walk portion will officially start at 3 p.m. and will end with the raffle results and prizes. TSN Towing has generously donated their time to lead and follow the walk to ensure the safety of all participants.

For more information check out the walk’s Facebook Event page, Orangeville Zombie and Halloween Walk.