Zombies returned to Market Square on Saturday, October 26, bringing a spooky and fun event designed to be kid-friendly while collecting supplies for this year’s charity, Helping Mamas. Under the guidance of organizers Randall and Jennifer Pettiford, now in their second year as owners and operators, the event saw significant expansion. I had the opportunity to attend during the early hours, chatting with attendees, vendors, and organizers to learn more about this annual event.
Originally founded by Brad Luttrell in the early 2000s, the Knoxville Zombie Walk has evolved over the years. The Pettifords started to work with the Zombie Walk four years ago after being patrons for several years and then taking over as organizers. Attendees gathered around 2 PM and came already zombified or could have a session with on-site make-up artist Jason Godsey. Godsey zombified attendees for either a $10 fee or a donation to Helping Mamas.
Why a Zombie Walk? Randall Pettiford told me that “there’s a lot of events that go on this time of year, but not a lot of them are family friendly. There are lot of them that are a little bit too scary and those of us that have small kids that want to do something fun for Halloween… You know, to your point, there’s trunk or treats galore, but there are not a lot of events. But something like this? It’s a good cause for charity, it’s a good opportunity for us to give back to Helping Mamas, and to give back to the city overall.”
He further noted that “it just lets the families come out. The adults can sit back and have a beer. The kids can color some coloring sheets. It’s fun for the whole family. It fills a niche that’s otherwise been left open. A coloring station and pumpkin carving contests were added this year to expand opportunities for children, and the costume contest featured adults and children alike.
Jennifer Pettiford related that Scruffy City Hall has hosted the event “for the last five years. Scott West has been gracious enough to let us host the event here.” Scruffy City gives access to tables, chairs and sets up the stage for the costume contest.
A costume contest was held at 3:30 followed by a performance by Greg Krucial Carney and the K-Town Ghosts and Zombies at 4:00. The Thrill the World Flash Mob and the walk to the City County Building wrapped up the evening. With a bit of tongue in cheek, Pettiford noted that the shorter route for the walk this year was to “keep it interesting. That way we can’t be tracked as easily for those that are looking after zombies. Makes us harder to find.”
Charitable Giving
The Zombie Walk supported local charity, Helping Mamas. Jennifer Pettiford filled me in on the organization. “Helping Mamas was started in 2014, basically just to provide things for mothers as far as childcare, you know, diapers, wipes, things that snap, that WIC doesn’t provide. You can’t pay for those things with [WIC]. They’re the only diaper bank in the vicinity of Knoxville. They are a wonderful cause. We love them. They are great to work with. I love Tess.”
Vendors
Mallory Bertrand, one of vendors during this first year, represented both her company, Mallory Bertrand Photography and group, East Tennessee Misfits and Weirdos. Bertrand was also one of the judges for the costume contest. East Tennessee Misfits and Weirdos is a “social group that embodies all of our alternative community, including kids. We focus on Halloween, spooky, horror, paranormal, gamers, but we also like to do things for our alternative children who like things that are a little bit different from the normal. Our goal is to be a charity-based social group.” Her group set up the coloring station at the event with plans for more in the future. Her creative arts photography company focuses on spooky, horror and themed boudoir sessions. “Live, laugh, lobotomy” is Bertrand’s style.
Set up outside was Katherine Scott with Twisted Hippie Goods. Scott does “professional grade textile dyes. No fading. No blending. [She] does all the tie-dye.” Her station was set up with Jason Godsey who does airbrush and “all the creepy work.” Scott joined the Zombie Walk as an inaugural vendor this year; however, Godsey has been a part for multiple years. Scott sold shirts, headbands and bags for adults and kid’s clothes, onesies and youth outfits. Twisted Hippie Goods also sold horror and gore masks.
Zombie Walk Events
Judges Cody and Kayla Epling, Mallory Bertrand and Doug Cox (owner/operator of Screamville Haunted Attraction) judged nearly 20 contestants, ranging from adults to children and groups. Doug is also a previous organizer of the Knoxville Zombie Walk. Among the many spooky contestants, three winners were chosen.
Greg Krucial Carney and the K-Town Ghosts and Zombies performed a routine to Michael Jackson’s 1996 “Ghosts” tune. Carney told me that he began to perform in 2009 after Jackson passed away. His Facebook page describes his group as a “Thriller tribute dance troupe, comprised of Knoxville’s own home grown undead.” Carney’s troupe practices during the Halloween season and is hired for parties and events around the region during this time. His troupe included both children and adults for this performance.
After an afternoon and evening of spooky fun, a large group performed in the Thrill the World flash mob and then finished with the walk. The Pettifords told me to stay tuned as they continue to develop the event for 2025 and beyond.
Many thanks to Josh Williams of The Local Outsider Photography for the additional photos from the event.