Halloween Zombie Walk Success!

Getting ready for the big scare!

Over 2,000 people of all ages descended on the woods and nature trails of Garbally Park for two nights on the lead up to the Halloween Weekend for the towns first ever Zombie Walk .

Set in the Parkland of the historic Clancarty Mansion, complete with it’s own resident Ghost – the White Lady – the 3.5 km walk was bedecked with a cast of over 40 witches, zombies, goblins, pixies and Garbally House staff of the 18th Century who had left their tombs to haunt the walk.

Organised as one of the actions by the Town Team Action Group and co–ordinated by Ballinasloe Area Community Development in response to the Town Benchmarking Plan – to incorporate more family activities into our annual calendar of events – the event was branded a huge success by attendees and organisers alike. 

After parking in the Ard Scoil Mhuire Grounds – patrons went to the handball alleys to queue for their walk – where groups of 25 to 30 were taken by Zombie Costumed Guides ( All past Staff member of Lady Clancarty’s Household) .

The walk weaved it’s way under a strong moon, into the woodland out by the boundary tree ,back down a dimly lit avenue - to the Zombie Training Compound and the Witches Coven before releasing the frightened ones for a cuppa or some snack food – provided by caterers on site. 
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Over a third of the attendees – were all dressed up in their own Witches, Goblins, Devil and Ghost outfits - which added greatly to the spookiness of the occasion. 

Chairman of the local Development Company, Seamus Duffy, was thrilled with the pilot “ This was a huge project that involved the cast and crew of over 90 people on both nights! – we had over 12 groups co–operating in the delivery of the event and the feedback and publicity that the event got for the town and our Mid-Term Break was massive. A lot of families have stated that it was one of the nicest events – with great fun , outdoors, and no alcohol - to be at and would be looking at having the cousins come and stay for it next year . People came from North Tipp, South Roscommon and well into South Galway” . He paid special tribute to the volunteers from the Vintage, Rugby, Soccer and GAA Clubs who assisted with the huge logistics of the production.

Town Team Co-ordinator Jacinta Divilly thanked the Boards of Management of the two schools – Garbally and Scoil Mhuire for their huge assistance in providing their grounds, all the volunteers who helped and in particular “ the casts and crews of the towns performing groups – principally – the Musical Sociery, The Panto, Relays and The Town Hall Theatre for the make up . costumes, props and sets over the two nights “. 
“ At €3 admission this event was never obviously about making money but really about bringing our community together for a traditional celebratory time of year and being able to create with huge co–operation – a memorable and worthwhile event “ stated Jacinta .

The event net of costs raised a small surplus for the performing groups – who produce annual shows and performances in the Town Hall Theatre. 
The Town Action Team’s next event is the Christmas Tree Lighting Up Gathering on Saturday Nov the 28th, in the afternoon on the main Square.

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Tonight is the the night! The zombie walk in Garbally woods! Meeting point and parking at Ard Scoil Mhuire. Do not miss this!

Posted by Ballinasloe Town Hall Theatre on Thursday, 29 October 2015