Knoxville Zombie Walk Brings Spooky Fun to Market Square
This past Saturday, October 26, the lively Market Square buzzed with excitement as zombies returned for another year of thrilling festivities. The annual Knoxville Zombie Walk has transformed into a beloved local event that perfectly blends fun with a charitable cause, making it a hit for families in the area!
Under the passionate direction of new owners, Randall and Jennifer Pettiford, this year’s event saw notable growth and creativity. “We’re in our second year running this event,” Randall shared with a smile. “It’s fantastic to see families come together for some spooky fun, especially knowing we’re also helping a great cause.” The Zombie Walk originally kicked off in the early 2000s, thanks to founder Brad Luttrell, and has since morphed into a unique community gathering that continues to evolve. The Pettifords, seasoned attendees turned organizers, took over four years ago and have been dedicated to making it more family-friendly ever since.
Get Your Zombie On!
Attendees began to drift in at around 2 PM. You could spot many already in their creative zombie attire, while others treated themselves to a transformation courtesy of on-site make-up artist Jason Godsey. Jason zombified eager participants for a $10 fee or a donation to Helping Mamas, adding an element of fun to the charitable spirit of the event.
Randall elaborated, “With so many events happening this time of year, we wanted something that caters to families. There are trunk-or-treats galore, but not enough family-friendly options. The idea was to create a fun environment where parents could relax and children could enjoy activities like coloring sheets and pumpkin carving.” This year, they even introduced a coloring station and a pumpkin carving contest for little ones to enjoy!
Star-Studded Performances and Contests
The festivities took place under the inviting atmosphere of Scruffy City Hall, which has graciously hosted the Zombie Walk for five years. Randall expressed gratitude stating, “Scott West has been instrumental in allowing us to use this space.” Not only did they provide tables and chairs, but they also set up a stage for the much-anticipated costume contest.
The costume contest kicked off at 3:30 PM, with judges including locals and members from different community groups assessing nearly 20 excited contestants. The winners claimed their fame, proudly displaying their creative and spooky costumes. Following the contest, attendees were treated to a vibrant performance by Greg Krucial Carney and the K-Town Ghosts and Zombies at 4:00 PM, captivating the audience with their rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Ghosts.”
The evening culminated in a thrilling Thrill the World Flash Mob performance, followed by a walk to the City County Building, where participants embraced the fun of being a part of an enthusiastic zombie horde. “We made the route shorter this year to keep it interesting,” Randall joked. “It also helps keep us off the radar of those keeping an eye on zombies!”
Giving Back to the Community
One of the standout aspects of the Zombie Walk is its support for the local charity, Helping Mamas. Jennifer took a moment to explain their mission: “Helping Mamas started in 2014 to provide essential childcare items that aren’t always covered by programs like WIC. They’re the only diaper bank in the Knoxville area, and we’re proud to support them.”
The event featured a range of vendors, with participants showcasing their talents. Local photographer Mallory Bertrand, representing both her photography business and the East Tennessee Misfits and Weirdos, joined the festivities. “We support the alternative community, and we were excited to set up a coloring station and offer fun activities,” she said, highlighting the inclusive nature of the event.
There was also Katherine Scott of Twisted Hippie Goods, known for her professional-grade textile dyes and unique horror-themed crafts. “This is my first year, and I’m thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful event!” Katherine shared, her setup buzzing with enthusiastic shoppers looking for spooky attire.
The Future Looks Bright
As the evening wound down, the Pettifords expressed their eagerness to grow the event further in the coming years. “We’re excited about what’s next and how we can continue to bring the community together in a fun and meaningful way,” they remarked with undeniable enthusiasm.
All in all, the Knoxville Zombie Walk brought spooky joy and laughter to the heart of the city, proving once again that being ghoulish can also help those in need! With community spirit strong and a bright future ahead, we can’t wait to see what spooky adventures await us next year!
