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Zombies take over downtown Bellevue

Jon Stinchcomb, Reporter

BELLEVUE - The horde of undead that gathers annually in downtown Bellevue is continuing to grow ominously, little by little, as the infectious word spreads. But these creepy biters are infected with the spirit of goodwill and charity.

The second Bellevue Zombie Walk strolled through downtown Saturday afternoon, benefiting the Winterize our Kids program as walkers donated coats, hats, gloves and other items to help local children in need stay warm.

In addition to the undead legion, local first responders offered a helping hand as well. Officers from the Bellevue Police Department guided traffic, and members of the Bellevue Fire Department hosted a cookout for the hungry zombies at Central Park, where the walk ended.

Several local businesses also got in on the theme, allowing the swarm to take advantage of zombie specials, such as blood red wings, brain drinks, creepy cookies, frappe of the dead, monster feet loaf and more.

Nick and Mike Mazarro, of Gilbert’s Place, a coffee and sandwich shop in downtown Bellevue, founded and organized the event, which they said has grown from its inaugural walk last year.

“It’s just a fun thing,” Mike Mazarro said. “Last year, there were a lot of kids, but this year we’re getting a lot more of the parents to dress up, which is very cool. You've just got to have fun.”

On top of the couple dozen zombies, many friends and family members awaited the horde at Central Park for the cookout hosted by the first responders.

jstinchcom@gannett.com

419-680-4897

Twitter: @JonDBN