Zombies Will Invade Cherokee County on Saturday

Cherokee FOCUS, a local nonprofit dedicated to the welfare of children and families, will host its their second annual Cherokee Zombie Fest and Food Truck Fair tomorrow.

The event will return to the streets of downtown Canton from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4.

Last year’s inaugural event drew more than 2,500 people, and many of those attendees dressed for the part.

This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever, with additional food trucks, vendors and additional Zombie Transformation Stations to meet the demand.

Chandler Riggs, who portrays Carl on AMC’s hit television show “The Walking Dead,” will be the special host for the evening’s festivities. Radio personality Macha from Atlanta’s alternative rock station 105.7 FM will join Chandler on stage to help judge the popular costume and brain eating (JELL-O) contests.

The band Red Tyde Rising will open the event onstage and you will definitely want to get there early so you don’t miss a minute of their set. Visit the 105.7 FM van while Drivewire sets up to play the best classic rock covers you’ve ever heard! Stop by the Information/Merchandise Booth to grab a limited edition 2014 Zombie Fest T-Shirt. There will also be a silent auction with some great collectibles including autographs from Chandler, Norman Reedus and Josh Holloway from Lost.

Attendees will be able to visit the historic Canton Theatre for one of the zombie movie marathons. Parents and children of all ages will want to attend the free showing of the classic movie Scooby Doo on Zombie Island, which starts at 5 p.m.

Afterward, be sure to take the kids to the Little Zombie Inflatable Zone, sponsored by Oak Leaf Church. Zombie makeovers will be available at the Zombie Transformation Stations for only $5. Leisa Wilkie, author of the book “The Haunting History of Canton,” will be signing her book as well as leading ghost tours of the old cemetery.

Cost for the tour will be a $10 donation and will include a souvenir flashlight. Proceeds benefit the FOCUS nonprofit.

Autographs will also be available at the Plastic Empire booth from The Walking Dead actors Luke Donaldson and Michael Koske.

Last but not least, residents don’t want to miss the final band of the evening, Jillhammer, who, at the end of their set, plan to throw out copies of their new CD autographed by Chandler Riggs and the band members.

Zombie Fest is the pre-party weekend to the premier of the new season of “The Walking Dead.” The entry fee is a $5 donation. For more details, visit www.CherokeeZombieFest.com or check Cherokee Zombie Fest’s Facebook page.

(Photo credit: Cherokee Zombie Fest)