Ah, is there any more heartwarming sight than a smiling toddler, running and laughing, fake blood smeared all over her face?
Not if you're a zombie lover.
Expect to see such memory-making scenes at the sixth Tucson Zombie Walk 2011 Saturday. This year's theme is Science Fiction Zombies or "ZOMBIES … IN … SPAAAAACE!!!"
The free event, which benefits the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, happens at Joel D. Valdez Main Library, 101 N. Stone Ave.
The zombie fest kicks off with a group dance of Michael Jackson's classic "Thriller" and includes other group dances, a variety show and costume contest as well as the mile-long walk, which begins around 7:30 p.m.
Vendors will be selling zombie memorabilia and, presumably, brains.
"It's just a lot of cheesy fun," says organizer Rosie Zwaduk, who became infected with zombie-itis three years ago. "We are truly all-ages. I've seen parents dress up their 6-month-old baby. You see these little 2-year-olds running around with the fake blood on 'em. I think we've even had a few retirees out there."
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The zombie walk has grown steadily from that first year - when about a dozen people dressed up to scare the living - to last year's crowd of about 1,000, Zwaduk says. Organizers are expecting 1,000 to 1,500 people at this year's event.
It's good fun for a good cause - last year, Tucson zombies donated more than 500 pounds of food and enough money to pay for 3,000 meals.
IF YOU GO
Tucson Zombie Walk 2011
• When: 4-10:30 p.m. Saturday.
• Where: Joel D. Valdez Main Library, 101 N. Stone Ave.
• Cost: Organizers are asking for at least two cans of food or a donation for the Community Food Bank.
• More info: www.tucsonzombies.com
