Johnny Mac buying rights to Zombie Walk
Sale will include partnership with Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce
Johnny Mac’s owner John McGillion announced this afternoon that he is in the midst of purchasing the rights to the Asbury Park Zombie Walk.
“We’re looking forward to taking it over and getting involved,” the Asbury Park bar owner and restauranteur said. “It’s a tremendous asset to the City of Asbury Park.”
McGillion said the sale should be complete by week’s end and will include a partnership with the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce. He declined to comment on the amount of the sale.
“A lot of communities would want the Zombie Walk in their town but we are looking to prevent that,” McGillion said.
While organizer Jason Meehan will stay on to help organize the event, slated for October 3, McGillion said he will work to establish an agreement that includes Meehan’s participation moving forward.
The Zombie Walk broke the 2013 Guinness World Record with its 9,592 counted attendees.
Economic Development Director Tom Gilmour said the Special Events Committee will meet with McGillion and other interested parties Thursday to iron out the details.
“It may include extending the route by one block,” Gilmour said.
The application for he special events permit for the Zombie Walk was submitted by McGillion and will include organizational involvement by the the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce and Madison Marquette. McGillion also owns Kim Marie’s on Kingsley Street, as well as several bars in New York City.
The city’s fire, police and department of public works officials will sit in on the meeting to determine what safety and logistical needs will need to be met. Fees will be discussed but the committee has no jurisdiction over setting fees, he said.
“The Committee makes a recommendation but the City Council has the final say,” Gilmour said.
The application will most likely come before the City City Council for approval during the Sept. 23 Regular Session meeting, Gilmour said.
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