This year's Zombie Walk will take a path less traveled

ROCHESTER - Rochester Main Street has been hosting the Downtown Trick-or-Treat and Zombie Walk for many years, but this Halloween the group has plans to "shake things up."

Organizers say the purpose of the festivities has always been to encourage families to walk around downtown, visit local restaurants and retail shops, and learn more about what the district has to offer -- all while having fun with their friends and families.

This year, Rochester Main Street will host the first annual Zombie Bash and Trunk-or-Treat in the Citizen's Bank parking lot. There will also be a costume contest, pumpkin painting and several vendors and local restaurants on site.

Not to worry, the popular Zombie Walk will continue in a slightly modified form. The Zombie Walk will still feature dozens of dancers from several local dance studios, however, this year the zombies will be taking a new route from the former St. Elizabeth Seton School parking lot, around River Street, back to North Main Street, and end at Citizen's Bank.

The new route essentially circles the block and does not require police to shut down main arteries for as much time, as in years past. The former route led Zombies from the District Courthouse all the way to the Rochester Common, shutting down traffic for an extended period of time.

According to Marc Saxby, Rochester Main Street Board member and owner of Collectiques/Sprinkles & Smiles, planners wanted to improve the event based on input they received from downtown businesses and past participants.

"We talked to a lot of people about how to improve the event to make it more enjoyable for attendees and participating businesses," said Saxby. "We look forward to all the new activities and we believe the changes will be welcomed by the community."

Saxby says the changes will make the event safer for children and pedestrians overall, keeping the roads open for passing motorists and containing the festivities to one centralized area of downtown.

"We hope everyone enjoys the new format," said Saxby. "We'll continue to talk to participants and learn how we can continue making improvements for the future. It's going to be a lot of fun for all!"

The Zombie Bash and Trunk-or-Treat will take place on Oct. 29 from 2-5 p.m. Citizen's Bank is located at 90 North Main St. Visit www.rochestermainstreet.org to learn more.