Discover Lansdale has announced that the Fifth-Annual Lansdale Zombie Walk has been canceled, on account of forecasted thunderstorms and heavy rains that are expected to move through the area on Friday.
The event, which is the largest First Friday celebration each year, was expected to bring several thousand guests into the borough for an evening of creative costumes and tongue-in-cheek- activities, such as zombie bull riding.
“It’s unfortunate to have to make this call, as the zombie walk holds a special place in my heart” said Keith Heffintrayer, chairman of Discover Lansdale’s First Friday Committee. “Normally, we can hold off on making a weather-related decision until the afternoon of the event, but due to the additional preparation and intricacies of the zombie walk, the decision needs to be made roughly 24 hours in advance.”
Currently, the weather forecast for Friday in Lansdale—via Weather.com, Accuweather and Weather Underground—shows a high percentage chance of rain in the morning and the evening, along with intermittent rain and thunderstorms throughout the day.
“Obviously, it’s the weather, so there could be a dramatic turn around and tomorrow could be beautiful and welcoming for an event, but we don’t have the luxury to wait it out,” said Heffintrayer. “We already have some vendors backing out, others that are concerned about investing time and money into prep work into an event that could get rained out, and that’s not even considering the damage that rain can do to the DJ equipment, instruments, make up supplies, etc.”
Heffintrayer pointed out that the September First Friday was rained out, which caused damage to some vendor equipment. That forecast was only supposed to be a passing shower, but actually lead to a prolonged storm that flooded the borough. He added that rain can typically “spook” vendors into not coming out, which can have an adverse effect on the overall experience.
Discover Lansdale President and Lansdale Borough Council Vice President Mary Fuller echoed Heffintrayer’s concerns, adding that making such a decision is never an easy task.
“We never want to cancel an event, especially the zombie walk, but the risk is too great,” said Fuller.” We didn’t come to this decision lightly.”
“With that said, there are still plenty of options in town for the evening, many of which were playing-on or tying-in to the zombie theme,” Fuller said. “Stop by Smoke Daddy’s or Stove and Tap for dinner. Check out Round Guys or Well Crafted for a few beers. There’s plenty of places to go in town!”
See also:
Lansdale Prepares for Fall Harvest First Friday
Discover Lansdale Announces Details for 2018 Chili Cookoff
Lansdale Cruise Night Draws Cars and Cans for Charity
Lansdale First Friday Cancelled Due to Rain, Flooding
Freight House Progress Coming Slowly and Steadily
