Living Dead Invade Fort Collins

by  Mikaela Antonelli 
On October 25 the dead are going to rise again, but not to eat our brains — to help the children of Northern Colorado. It is the 6th annual Zombie Fest hosted by Turning Point.
Zombie Fest is the best people-watching event in Fort Collins. It is a night to remember,” Marketing and Referral Coordinator Scot Von Bargen says.
The Zombie Fest was originally started as a fundraising event for Turning Point. They were brainstorming an event that they could hold in the late fall, and with the recent zombie craze it seemed like a perfect match.
“The event was a huge success right off the bat,” Bargen says.
There are three different events to the Zombie Fest; there is the Kidz Krawl, The Zombie Crawl, and finally the Zombie Ball to finish off the day. The Kidz Krawl starts off the spooky festivities at 2 p.m. with a Krawl for the little ghouls and goblins. Then there will be The Zombie Crawl for the older “creatures of the night” at 5 p.m. Later will be the Zombie Ball, a “crazy private zombie party” for those who dare to partake. It is held at Washington’s Sports Bar.
A DJ in Old Town Square will provide live music, and if you haven’t quite had your fill of creepy there will also be contests for loudest scream, best costume, and many more. A hearse will be parked in Old Town with a red carpet so you can take a frightening photo in your costume.
Bargen has seen a lot of crazy costumes in his days of working Zombie Fest. However, one that sticks out for him was a couple that had professional make-up done on their 6-month old baby.
“You could see people parting and staring at the baby,” Bargen laughs. “That was the best one yet.”
If you are new to the event and don’t know how to dress, don’t worry! There will be professional make-up artists at the front entrance to transform you.
“You can come in as yourself and become a part of something amazing,” Bargen says. “You don’t need to bring anything, but you will walk away with amazing memories, pictures, and definitely some great stories.”
The event does require the purchase of a wristband to participate. The wristband allows you to get a treat at five of the thrilling 12 stops in Old Town. Part of the proceeds go to improve the facilities at Turning Point, which strives to help troubled children of Northern Colorado by providing a safe place.
Each stop along the way has an interesting treat that is zombie-themed. The Blind Pig has a Zombie Shot, and at Hodi’s Half Note you can get an O-Negative Blood Shot. The treats are not just for the adults; there are also stops along the way during the Kidz Kraw, where the little zombies can get a treat as well.
“It is so successful because the businesses combine to help us with this wonderful non-profit. Everyone wins,” Bargen says, “Everyone is in costume which is really fun for our vendor sponsors. It’s just a fun day for everyone.”