Saskatoon Zombie Walk, September 28, 2013

Photos and text (c) Robert Barry Francos
Images can be enlarged by clicking on them

This is my second Zombie Walk since arriving in Saskatoon [pictures HERE]. Last year's was gloomy due to the weather, though the spirit was high among the crowd, which is kind of ironic when you think of the role being played.

The Zombie Walk is put on by the Dark Bridges Festival, which features off-the-mainstream films shown at the Broadway Theatre from around the world, including Chinese gangsters to, well, zombies. Everyone gathers at the Vimy Bandshell on the west side of the South Saskatchewan River, and then stumble across the Broadway Bridge to the theatre, just a few blocks from the bridge.

This year, one of the co-sponsors set up a tent to help teach CPR, which is wonderful, and at the same time watching people dressed like otherworldly creatures pounding fake chests trying to revive bodies rather than eat them was just joyous. There was also a "big bicycle," which sat about 30 people (the undead needed to sign a waiver!), and took off with growls and grunts.

What is most remarkable is the sheer number of photographers who showed up for the event. I have never seen that many in one place that I can remember. The whole event, which I have been looking forward to for a long time, was worth the wait. And now I get to wait again. Now can someone in the city government please give the Broadway a well-deserved tax credit break?!

Here is my selection, with some comments, of just a sliver of the event.

Check out the second guy from the right.

Yep, a zombie chain-gang member with Stewie Griffin undies!

I thought this was very well done.

Obviously, no one ate her brains.

The cap may explain the missing tooth.

The CPR tent

Quick and easy FX

With many real wedding parties abound thanks to the proximity of the Delta Bessborough Hotel, I had to wonder who was the real zombies considering these modern versions of feetbinding.

Do It In a Dress is also supported by Iggy Pop.

By the way he was fingering the fret, I get the feeling he's a real musician.

In the free make-up tent

Well done mouth appliance, but she had trouble talking. So worth it!

These dead clowns (a trio actually) mostly stayed in character for the whole time before.

"The Big Bike"

This wedding day couple's photographer had the brilliant idea (no sarcasm intended) to have the happy couple take advantage of the moment and incorporate the event. Truly something to tell the grandzombies.

The guy with the camera is a local blogger, The Skinny Backpacker.

Excellent job.

Proud of their zombie-to-be.

The cemetery of CPR dummies.

All zombies crave is brains... and gelato.

Wow.

Okay, I'm gonna say it: Arrrrggggg.

The mom actually looks a bit like an adult Kyra Schon (didn't even need to look that up).

Nice detail.

"Here comes the zombie / All dress in blood..."

"Y'wanna feel my baby kick?"

Lookie-Loos.

Good bonding moment.

A Dark Bridges Festival organizer gathers the zombie troops.

A "Dawn of the Dead" moment.

Part pirate, part zombie, part Miley.



Is he bleeding or did his sundae explode?

Controlling the zombies like Dr. Logan!

If you have zombies, in this day and age, you also must have zombie hunters.

The Zombie Walk officially begins.



Love the blowing of the party favor through the disembodied hand.

Eddie's been listening to a bit too much Iron Maiden.

Don't think this Billy Idol wannabe gets the concept.

Stuck on the bridge amid the horde.

Asked me to take their pic, and I obliged.

The undead trying to become the dead.

Bringing up the rear; sort of late for their own funeral?