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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Zombies bit too lively for event's organizer
Some zombies got a little too much into character during walk downtown on Sunday night. (BORIS.MINKEVITCH@FREEPRESS.MB.CA ARCHIVES)
THE organizer of a zombie-themed walk that led to costumed participants swarming vehicles says she'd like to see more police at the event next year to help with crowd control.
Zombiewalk 2009 organizer Sarah Reed, 26, said Monday she was thrilled with the approximately 500-person turnout at Sunday night's event. She said the event is family friendly, and is celebrated in cities across Canada. However, Reed was appalled police had to deal with some of the participants' "unfortunate shenanigans" this year.
She said she'd like to organize a team of volunteers to deal with traffic next year, as well as take out permits for the walk and enlist more police assistance. The surprise popularity of the event contributed to a "mob mentality" by some of the participants, she said.
"It's a zombie walk. We're not actual zombies," said Reed. "People weren't respecting the rules of the road. They weren't following the crosswalks.
"There were people actually running into the road, running at cars. I saw cars actually get swarmed."
Costumed zombies walked from the Exchange District to Osborne Village, and returned to the Exchange by walking near the legislature.
A police spokeswoman confirmed about four or five people called emergency officials to alert them to some very strange traffic problems -- like zombies banging on a vehicle.
By the time police arrived, the participants had dispersed, she said.
gabrielle.giroday@freepress.mb.ca
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition October 27, 2009 A5
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13 Comments
Posted by: Darsh
October 28, 2009 at 1:03 PM
This article, and especially the associated picture, is misleading. I personally know the guy shown on the hood of the car, and you should know ther person in the car was his brother. This wasn't just some random event of a zombie walk participant jumping on some stranger's car. It was just a couple of brothers having fun (notice the smiles and laughing of the occupants of the car).
Take it easy Winnipeg and lighten up. It's Halloween! Get out there and have some fun for once.
Posted by: WpgGal
October 28, 2009 at 8:55 AM
From reading some of the comments on here, it's confirmed what I have feared. Winnipegers have no sense of fun. No, it's not okay that the people involved in the Zombie Walk jumped on cars (though it would have been interesting to be the one to answer a call where you heard a person say "A zombie just attacked my car"). This was done in good fun, and unfortunately, some people got out of hand. The organizer said she didn't realize it would have as big of a turn out as it had. However, to bash the people who came out and didn't cause a disturbance is completely unfair. I guess those of you who call these people immature, idiots and geeks are just jealous that some people actually get out of their houses and participate in fun events, and perhaps you should just stay at home with your puzzles and knitting.
Posted by: Macman
October 27, 2009 at 7:46 PM
@Code R. Flex
Have you ever been to a Bomber game?
Having that many people in one location at one time often leads to problems. There is nothing wrong with having the police on hand at special events to keep the peace.
The police you see at concerts, sporting events and parades are all on overtime, which is paid for by the person who requests it.
Take for instance, the Marilyn Manson concert. That concert got so out of hand that there was 20+ police cruisers on scene to control the crowd. Now if you ask me that is a bigger waste of police resources, because they were not special duty officers, they were the ones trying to answer calls for help from people all over the city.
Most organizers of large public gatherings call for the police to assist them in having a successful event, and yes they pay for it. This is an addition to event staff or security personnel, who often have limited authority and tools to solve problems and keep people safe.
Posted by: Code R. Flex
October 27, 2009 at 3:37 PM
I agree, let's keep police away from all the community centre carnivals as well. And Portage avenue on Sunday nights. And Bomber games and Moose games and Goldeyes games and the folk festival and the fringe festival and get these cops back chasing real criminals!!!!!!
Posted by: Allied_Forces
October 27, 2009 at 3:34 PM
@ Posters
We do not need more Police to herd the Zombie Walk. That much is certain.
Yes, I think that the Zombie Walkers should be more thoughtful of the rights and feelings of others, traffic laws and have fun while doing it.
Now to start bashing people who want to participate in this event is ill-considered on your own part.
It is almost halloween and I for one think this is a great event for community involvement. It is a family friendly event that is all in fun.
The Zombie Walk is not for everyone, and for those of you that had taken part, remember to mind the streets, cars and laws next time.
By the way it was an awesome sight and I can't wait until next year to take part in this community event again.
Way to go Sarah!! Well done!
Posted by: wpgreader
October 27, 2009 at 2:04 PM
Oh for goodness sake! Our police have nothing better to do than this???
Posted by: ohreally
October 27, 2009 at 1:29 PM
Those people need to grow up. If anyone ever jumped on my car, there would be immediate trouble.
Posted by: Too Much
October 27, 2009 at 1:03 PM
I think that every single "participant" and in particular the organizers of this stupid, irresponsible, and intrusive event be charged. How DARE they break laws that the rest of us must follow, ignore proper channels, and assume we don't mind? On what planet do they come from where it is okay for a bunch of IDIOTS to waste the time of our police force, which WE pay for to monitor these ignorant fools? The complete JERKS had better be counting their lucky stars it wasn't MY vehicle they chose to jump up on. HOW DARE YOU?! Find the organizer, charge, and fine them! Ignorant idiots, all of them!
Posted by: Kev11
October 27, 2009 at 12:52 PM
Lighten up everyone,this event was fun,the costumes and make up were great,nobody got hurt.Yes cars were swarmed,mine was but it was all in fun.I do agree though that the organizers of this event should cover the cost of extra security.They can perhaps do a fund raiser for next years walk,I'm all for it.
Posted by: Jason
October 27, 2009 at 11:42 AM
They should require a parade/demonstration permit. If gay people can have a parade, so can zombies! :)
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