Glen Ellyn adds zombie pub crawl to day of Halloween events

Members of the Glenbard West High School student group Clowns Against Drugs will join in the Glen Ellyn children's costume parade, which will be led by the Hilltoppers' marching band. Daily Herald File Photo

Following the children's costume parade, children can trick-or-treat at downtown Glen Ellyn businesses until 1 p.m. Saturday. Daily Herald File Photo

Downtown Glen Ellyn will be the site of two Halloween-themed parades Saturday -- the traditional kid's parade at 10 a.m., and a zombie crawl at 5 p.m. Daily Herald File Photo

Downtown Glen Ellyn may look a little like Michael Jackson's "Thriller" music video on Saturday.

That's when the first "Walk Amongst the Dead, PubZ 'n' GrubZ Zombie Crawl" will be held, featuring a parade of costumed monsters haunting the streets. Organizers from local businesses and the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce are encouraging locals to dress the part, though those who walk as "survivors" are also welcome.

Similar zombie crawls occur around Halloween in Chicago, but there's few happening in the suburbs, said Georgia Koch, the chamber's co-executive director.

"We had a suggestion from one of our members," Koch said. "We thought it would be a fun thing to do. We said, 'OK, let's give it a shot.'"

The zombie walk begins at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, from the Crescent Boulevard parking lot just west of Main Street, and follows a designated route through the downtown streets. It leads to the Citibank building at 444 Main St., where a DJ will spin spooky tunes and the award will be given for best costume. The winner will receive a $50 gift certificate.

Afterward, the "PubZ n GrubZ" portion of the event begins, when participants are encouraged to visit local bars and restaurants offering zombie-themed food and drink specials. Coupons for the promotions will be in a packet available starting at 4 p.m. at registration tables across from McChesney and Miller Grocery and Market, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Citibank.

The registration packet also includes an event T-shirt, wristband for those 21 and older, and makeup application tips. Registration is $20 in advance, $25 on Saturday.

Koch predicted the number of zombie participants will be light for the first-time event, but it's something that could spark the imagination and bring people out.

While the new zombie crawl in Glen Ellyn is a chance for adults to dress up, the annual Halloween parade for kids is a standard in town.

The parade steps off at 10 a.m. from Prairie Path Park, south of the train station between Park Boulevard and Forest Avenue.

Members of the Glenbard West High School marching band will lead the parade. And members of the school's "Clowns Against Drugs" group, who teach elementary school students about peer pressure and making healthy decisions, also will participate.

Following the parade, trick-or-treaters will be able to pick up candy from participating downtown merchants until 1 p.m.