If you happen to venture through the Exchange District this weekend, you may find yourself among the dead – or at least the slightly dead-looking.

Zombie Walk will once again lurch its way through the streets of downtown Winnipeg on Sunday, Oct. 25, beginning at Old Market Square.

Sarah Reed, 26, is the co-ordinator of Winnipeg Zombie Walk 2009 and considers herself a veteran when it comes to zombies, describing them as “totally bad ass.”

Reed has been involved with the Zombie Walk, the annual gathering of the not-so-undead, for almost a decade now.

“I’ve been involved with ones in Winnipeg and Ottawa,” Reed said over the phone last week.

Every year, people gather dressed as zombies to walk around downtown together. The event draws zombies of all shapes and sizes – from Voodoo Zombies to Biohazard Zombies to Chemical Zombies and Blue-Skin Zombies, all are welcome here.
Zombies, of course, are naturally attracted to our tasty human brains and sweet, warm flesh.

Reed explained that zombies are attracted to highly populated areas like the Exchange and downtown because there are lots of human brains there, an observation that is still up for debate.

“It just makes sense,” Reed concluded.

Some walks have come under fire because zombies sometimes vandalize things. When asked if she’s ever witnessed Winnipeg zombies assaulting property, Reed responded, “Yes and no

“Sometimes they surround cars, but usually don’t spit blood. Usually when that happens, people take pictures and honk their horns.”

So how can you protect yourself from zombies?

When approached about this serious public safety issue, the Winnipeg Police Service had no comment. However, they did advise Winnipeggers to take extra precautions around Halloween time.

“Garlic doesn’t works in deterring zombies,” Reed advised “It’s a misconception. The best thing to do is keep your distance from them.”

Or, of course, you are welcome to join them.

So when the sun sets on the streets of Winnipeg on Oct. 25, you may want to watch your back – and guard your soft flesh.

Published in Volume 64, Number 8 of The Uniter (October 22, 2009)