Monday, October 29, 2007

WORLD RECORD SETTING DAY

World Record Banner



My Rowdy Friends



The Undead Walking the Mall


This time of the year is usually reserved for the kids, as jack-o-lanterns, as well as ghosts and spirits decorate the front lawn; while the kids anxiously await their raid upon the pumpkin motif crystal ware full of assorted treats. This reality may be stretched this year in the city that was bestowed the title, “Most Livable City” by the undead … the Zombie!

At the Monroeville Mall this weekend, where the Zombie cult favorite horror genre film, “Dawn of the Dead” was shot, now was the setting for the 2007 Zombie Fest. This two day event had everything that a growing Zombie needs: film screenings; stars of several George Romero Zombie films, and a Zombie Ball where the usually slow, uncoordinated, and passionless Zombie could really shake it for a change; artwork to charm the horror fan, and shake up the not so fan. Fans also collected autographs, meet horror authors, and even had relevant products available for purchase.

The real gem in this adult playground was Sunday’s Zombie walk, where the intent was to break the Guinness Book of World Records ‘Record’, “Most Zombies in one Place.” Last year the current world record was set right here in the Monroeville Mall—by 894 Zombies walking the mall. Some, elsewhere, were stunned by this huge turnout--they expected 200, but they do not know Pittsburgh where showing up in force to support the hometown, is home. Another trait of Pittsburghers that was part of the day, was the volunteer food donations by the Zombies at check in, where almost one ton of nonperishable food for the local food bank was expected to beat last year's total.

This year the crowd was large early, and grew throughout the cold morning, as I joined in. I have a personal stake in all of this, as I was one of the original Zombies in the “Dawn of the Dead” film shot in 1978—released in 1979. This was a matter of Pittsburgh pride, and anyone that has ever met a Pittsburgh Steeler fan is very aware of local pride … a descendant of a hard working town’s mores.

With well over one thousand Zombies scaring the elderly Sunday walkers of the mall, the world record was once again broken with the very loud gnarly sound of 1000 Zombie groans, as a response to the official announcement ... “We have broken the record!” shouted by local TV personality Mark Menold; from the “It’s Alive Show.” I have not seen that many scary faces since I accidentally went to a Cleveland Browns fan’s game day party!

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Sports update:

The Steelers defeated the Bengals today. They are now 5 and 2. They play the Ravens next week.

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Local News:

A local church, St. Barbara Catholic, is going to honor the members of the armed services in a special service on November 11. “It’s important, because without them we wouldn’t have the ability to gather,” said Rheba Salac, council member at St. Barbara in Harrison City. “Those in attendance may wear their military uniform, but are not required to," she noted.
She can be reached at 724-744-2850, or by Email at srheba@windstream.net

Local Military News:

Retired Army Gen. William "Gus" Pagonis, a Charleroi Pennsylvania native, will be honored Friday for his service in wars from Vietnam to the Gulf war. The Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania chose him as “Veteran of the Year.”

Well-done General Pagonis!


Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania


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