Bike riders contribute to NorCal Trykers in zombie-themed parade
PHOTO: Last minute participants pay the $5 registration fee in order to participate.
By Caroline Chilcott,
BlueDevilHUB.com Staff–
Like zombies from their graves, hundreds of people left their homes to head to Downtown Davis for the Zombie Bike Parade.
On Oct. 20, the first-ever Zombie Bike Parade, coordinated by Davis Odd Fellows and The Bike Campaign, took place in Central Park. Families, students and people of all ages flooded Downtown Davis to witness face-painted, spirited bike riders.
The proceeds from the parade will benefit NorCal Trykers, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide bikes to special-needs children in order to help them experience freedom through mobility.
“Team Davis is supporting this event because it is raising money for an important nonprofit organization in town that we think is doing great work. NorCal Trykers has helped some of our participants get adapted bikes that they can ride,” Team Davis president Robin Dewey said.
At 10 a.m., vendors eagerly sold baked goods, artwork, jewelry, clothes and even slime to parade participants and spectators, although the majority of the riders did not arrive for another 45 minutes. Other festivities included food trucks, face painting, a free photo booth and a DJ playing Halloween hits.
At 11:30 a.m., the riders were ready and dressed from head to toe in zombie wear. They took off on quick three mile bike ride through the UC Davis campus.
“I participated by putting on some Halloween leggings and a bit of face paint to get in the zombie spirit,” attendee Lindsay Terry said. “Everyone seemed to be having a good time and chatting as they rode.”
As the zombie bike riders return to Central Park, the mirror image dance company performed a flashmob to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”
“I enjoyed participating in the Zombie Bike Parade because it was a fun way to get involved with the Davis community. The atmosphere of the parade was very festive and energetic,” said Marley Adler, captain of the mirror image dance company.
Following the flashmob, prizes were awarded for best costume, best makeup and most creative bike decorations.
The event wrapped up around 1 p.m., giving time for attendees to purchase food and browse the one-of-a-kind items for sale.
