Undead overrun Main Street during sixth annual Zombie Walk

Las Cruces Bulletin

“They’re coming to get you, Barbara” – for the sixth year in a row.

That’s right; thousands of moaning, groaning, gasping and grabbing zombies will once again descend on the heart – or is it brains? – of Downtown Las Cruces, shambling their way down Main Street as the outbreak begins with the sixth annual Zombie Walk, returning from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24.

Since its inception in 2009, then under the auspices of the Doña Ana Arts Council, the annual Zombie Walk has grown exponentially – not unlike the outbreak of some unholy, undead-raising virus – from a few hundred shambling striders to more than 1,000 registered participants last year, and a total crowd, survivors included, of more than 4,000.

This year, zombies will gather in the quarantine zone – safely penned behind “impenetrable” fencing from Tractor Supply Co., doing their part to stem the undead outbreak – at the northern end of Main Street Downtown, where they’ve been corralled and catalogued, not unlike cattle. What could possibly go wrong?

In the hours leading up to the 7:30 p.m. sirens, calling the undead to stable, entertainment will be provided by The Beaux Peep Show playing dance and rock hits from the past five decades, along with beats from DJ Dislexican and a performance of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” by students at Alma d’Arte Charter High School.

For those with a hunger and thirst for more than brains and blood, a selection of the city’s beloved food trucks will line Main Street, and a beer garden will be set up by High Desert Brewing Co. for zombies and survivors 21 years of age.

Of course, even the undead need a safe ride home, so event organizers Project Mainstreet have partnered with Uber to offer a free first-ride home from the event with download of the app at https://get.uber.com/go/PMNOW. Code is PMNOW.

Attendance to the 2015 Zombie Walk is free; however, those participating in the walk must register. Registration begins at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, before the event. Early registration at will be held at Run Culture, 221 N. Main St., from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, a day prior to the event, and is $1 per person. Day-of registration is $2 per person, $5 per team of four or more and free for children age 12 and younger. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/zombiewalklascruces.

Zak Hansen can be reached at zak@lascrucesbulletin.com.