"Brains, brains!"
Zombies chanted and plodded along the sidewalks of Marshalltown, even taking over the Courthouse lawn.
Passersby stared and shuddered in horror, then running for their lives.
OK, not really.
As Sunday's 2nd Annual Zombie Walk lasted well into the evening hours, event coordinator Dee Vajgrt had a gut feeling they exceeded last year's fundraising goal.
"We raised $1,270 for our first time out and while we still have donations coming in, I'm sure we surpassed that amount this time," she said. "The turnout was just awesome."
All proceeds raised will benefit both the Domestic Violence Alternatives/Sexual Assault Center and the Marshalltown Skate Park.
Based at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum, kids' activities included coloring, face painting, a Jell-O brain/heart eating contest, raffle and games, as costumes were judged by Sen. Steve Sodders, D-State Center and Rep. Mark Smith, D-Marshalltown.
Max McLain won top prize in the 10 & Under category while the Grossest went to Jason Rudkin, Scariest was Theresa Theis and Tiffany Thompson got Best Overall title.
"This has turned into an event where people are having a lot of fun showing off their costumes, creativity, and they also raised money for two great causes," Smith said. "I'm very appreciative of this program."
Event founder Steve Adelmund was also grateful to those who sponsored this year's walk - and he is already planning ahead.
"This turned out phenomenal, so I'm very proud - I can't wait to see exactly how much money we get," he said. "There were many sponsors who participated - plus having Mark and Steve be here and walk with us, it was such a huge amount of fun, and next year will be even better."
As well, Sodders said he was glad to jump on board in order to help.
"We're raising money for not only DVA, who needs our community support, but the skate park," he said. "It's great to be doing something for the young people of Marshalltown, and all while fighting off zombies!"
Musical entertainment was provided by Last Call Casualties, Rocking Rebik and the Undead Onslaught, Mike Quick and Hunter Stewart, Moon Chaplin and the Magic Men, Shrapnel, Abdicate and Quarantine.
This event was presented on behalf of the Marshalltown Jaycees with food courtesy of Joe's Italian Grill & Pizza and Casey's General Store.
If interested in donating to the undead cause, contact Steve Adelmund at 641-753-2780 or Dee Vajgrt at 641-328-4642.
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Contact Tammy R. Lawson at 641-753-6611 or tlawson@timesrepublican.com
