Chicago Zombie March. Story by Brian “Routh” Kirst. Photos by Kirsten “McClure” Pfeiffer.
On Saturday June 21st 2008, zombies invaded Chicago’s Millennium Park. This undead parade, organized by a group of dedicated horror fans, featured zombies of all sorts. There were Bettie Page pin-up hotties, flesh hungry babies, demented preachers, slim jean emo-teens and a variety of power hungry surgery loving medicos.
Many of the participants were simply thrilled to have the chance to gather up some friends and let their inner horror freak fly. Others, such as Tully Bertorelli – done up to rotting perfection with the help of his father – have further performance ambitions and were using the event to show off their skills as well. Most importantly, the event showcased what creative, fun loving people horror fans are and despite the presence of Chris Kirogoeth’s brilliantly fading Walgreen’s pharmacist – all this limb chewing joy was accomplished seemingly drug free.
The organizers, who were working without a city permit, wisely procured the services of event master John LaFlamboy and his Zombie Army Productions. Zombie Army helped keep all safe and steered participants away from areas that might have disrupted all the gut busting, neck knawing fun. Besides, their Kitty the Zombie is one of scaredom’s most brilliantly funny creations and watching him react with the crowd was worth traveling through the late afternoon heat alone.
Eventually, those who never thought they would experience the day when a horde of unliving wannabes would be able to walk down Michigan Avenue chanting “What do we want? Brains!” surely must have thought their grue strewn prayers had been answered. Others, such as the saucy trio of Juicy, Mary and Miss Liz, just simply can’t wait for next year’s corpse loving festivities to begin all over again.
