Toronto Zombie Walk, 2012

"Zombiachis", a.k.a. Mariachi Zombies

The Vampire and I attended the Toronto Zombie Walk on October 20th. This year was the walk's 10th anniversary, and was organized in support of the Heart & Stroke Foundation. To promote this partnership, the Heart & Stroke Foundation released an extremely clever public service announcement: "The Undeading"... The tagline of their campaign is "CPR Makes You Undead". Check out this awesome video below!

Despite the weather being crappy, the rain held off and the walk was a success (more about that to come later in this post). The Vamp and I needed sustenance in order to fulfill our zombiefied journey, so we started the day off at Fancy Franks - a gourmet hot dog restaurant a few blocks west of Spadina on College. The restaurant has a funky atmosphere and their food is out-of-this-world delicious!!! We highly recommend this restaurant - 5 skulls out of 5! :-D

Exterior of Fancy Franks Gourmet Hot Dogs (photo taken from The Grid TO website)

misspulga's meal: "Frank's Got Seoul", with hand-cut fries

Frank's Got Seoul (rib meat, kimchi, green onions and sesame seeds)

The Vampire's meal: Frank's Fancy-aano (prosciutto wrapped dog, arugula, 
parmigiano reggiano and balsamic dijon mustard)

Once fully nourished, the Vamp and I headed southeast to Nathan Phillips Square for the main event. There were lots of fantastically imaginative costumes, as well as an ample amount of the requisite moaning and lurching that one would expect. Overall, we enjoyed ourselves immensely... By far, however, the highlights of this year's Zombie Walk were the following:

• The Heart & Stroke Foundation gave away free tickets to their Guinness World Records CPR event and Hallowe'en Haunt, which took place at Canada's Wonderland on October 25th. Not only was this extremely generous of them, but they also did a great service to Toronto by instructing CPR to so many people... It was especially great to hear that so many young people participated! ***Everyone should be trained in CPR.***      (Update: The Heart & Stroke Foundation smashed the previously held USA record and ended up training 5,020 people in CPR during this event! Amazing!)

• Grand Marshals John Russo and Russ Streiner (Writer and Producer of 'Night of the Living Dead') made a guest appearance, and helped judge the costume contest!!! Who better to officiate this event? Not only are these gentlemen legends in the film industry, but they also happen to be really cool guys with a great sense of humour.

• A bloody casket was made available for gruesome photo-ops. Whoever came up with this idea is a genius. :-D

• The vendors were cool... I especially enjoyed the booth with all the juicy brain jewelry! As soon as I find out the name of the artist, I will post it here so you procure some of her ghoulish creations for yourself!

• Everyone who came out to support the event... You're all awesome! I was so impressed by the time, energy and creativity that people put into their costumes (we love you, Zombiachis!)... It was definitely for a worthy cause! :-D 

Please enjoy our photos from the event (below)...

Awesome skull attire!!!

"Come closer, I just want to give you a hug!" >:-)

Bloody Casket: Greatest photo-op idea ever!!!

"I'm-a Mario! I'm-a gonna eat 'cha!!!"

Resident Evil Umbrella Corporation Employee

Looks like the mascot got picked clean!!! :-O

Take-Out Brains for All

Epic Zombie Jewelry - artist name coming soon!!!

Well aren't you precious?

Toronto Zombie Walk Grand Marshals:
 John Russo & Russ Streiner (Writer & Producer: Night of the Living Dead)!!!

The Main Stage

"Look 'Ma! No Legs!!!" - Winner of Toronto Zombie Walk (2012) Costume Competition

More fabulous costume entries! Little Red Zombie Hood and Frida Zombie looking hot! :-)

Franken-dog!!! :-D

Just going for a stroll...

"Bella, you are more beautiful now than the day we met!!!"