Zombie Walk may be headed back to Asbury Park
Organizers to meet with city special events committee Thursday
Zombie Walk organizers have submitted an application to move forward with the annual event here in Asbury Park, Mayor John Moor said.
“They put in an application two days ago,” Moor said in a telephone interview. “They will be making a presentation to the Special Events Committee on Thursday.”
In an open letter to the public, dated August 20, organizer Jason Meehan cited the exponential growth of its attendees, planning needs, and organizing costs for the event’s demise.
“As the Walk became larger, so did the list of requirements placed before us by the city of Asbury Park,” he said. “Each year our budget has seen unavoidable increases, making it increasingly difficult to raise the funds required to produce the Walk without turning it into something more akin to a ticketed convention or festival.”
But Mayor Moor, who is a member of the special events committee, said city charges were never increased.
“In my opinion it has nothing to do with the costs or charges by the city,” Moor said.
The local Zombie Walk broke the 2013 Guinness World Record with its 9,592 counted attendees.
Economic Development Director Tom Gilmour said the application was submitted by Johnny Mac’s owner John McGillion and will likely include organizational involvement by the the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce and Madison Marquette.
Gilmour said 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.
“The good news is that the application is in,” Gilmour said. The event is slated to occur on Oct. 3.
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