Zombies Ascend Amongst us in Honor of the Jersey Shore Rising up After Hurricane Sandy

TRENTON, N.J., Sept. 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Stronger than the Storm, a comprehensive consumer campaign developed to raise awareness of the Jersey Shore's recovery, is partnering with the New Jersey Zombie Walk to encourage the public to walk amongst the undead in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record™ for the "largest gathering of zombies." The "Jersey Shore Lives New Jersey Zombie Walk" and "Undead Festival," hosted by the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce, will officially kick off the Halloween season in Asbury Park on Saturday, October 5th.

The Zombie Walk will consist of a free, public gathering for participants of all ages, to dress up like zombies and make their way around city streets for spook and surprise. The New Jersey Zombie Walk is also bringing back its "Undead Festival," full of vendors and artists dedicated to all things horror and zombie.

"This seasonal, quirky event is a perfect way to support the region, honor the progress made by the Jersey Shore one year later and celebrate the Halloween holiday with family and friends," said Shannon Eis, spokesperson for Stronger than the Storm. "We are eager to support the event and join in on the fun."

Guinness World Records™ officially recognized the New Jersey Zombie Walk hosted in Asbury Park as the holder of the record for the "World's Largest Gathering of Zombies" in 2010. That 2010 walk made history as 4,093 zombies shuffled across the boardwalk and through the city. Last year's gathering & walk drew over 12,000 to celebrate the tradition. In hopes of taking the world record back, New Jersey Zombie Walk organizers, alongside Stronger than the Storm, is encouraging people of all ages to participate in the event.

"The Walk is one of the Garden State's largest Halloween gatherings," said Jason Meehan, organizer and producer of the New Jersey Zombie Walk. "We are grateful to have Stronger than the Storm join our zombie family to promote thrills, chills and laughter throughout the community."

In an effort to lend a severed hand to help local causes, the Central Jersey Blood Center will be hosting their Zombie Blood Drive at the Walk. In addition, The Move for Hunger organization will also be on-site to collect canned goods for local shelters and food banks. Last year zombies gave more than 2,000 pounds of food to feed those in need during the winter in Monmouth County.

"Asbury Park eagerly awaits the New Jersey Zombie Walk invasion each October," said Jackie Pappas, Executive Director of the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce. "This year's event has special meaning to our business community. Following the storm, Asbury Park made a promise to light the way to recovery for all of our neighboring shore towns - this year's Zombie Walk is dedicated to keeping that promise."

All participants are to meet on the Asbury Park Boardwalk by noon. Fans can arrive as early as 10 a.m. to check out vendors and get their makeup applied by artists stationed along the boardwalk. All day zombies will gather on the Asbury Park Boardwalk in full costume and at exactly 3:00 p.m. the official count for this year's Guinness World Records™ attempt will begin. Zombies will be ushered onto the beach to enjoy music, games and live art until official adjudicators from Guinness determine the record and the walk begins.

For more information on the New Jersey Zombie Walk, please visit:
Strongerthanthestorm.com or http://www.njzombiewalk.com

For the most up-to-date information on all things Jersey Shore related, including fall festivals and other special events and promotions please visit http://www.strongerthanthestorm.com

About Stronger than the Storm
Stronger than the Storm is a comprehensive consumer campaign developed to raise awareness of the Jersey Shore's recovery from Superstorm Sandy in an effort to support tourism and local businesses.  The campaign encourages New Jerseyans and potential visitors to come to the Jersey Shore, support local businesses, as they are ready and have reopened their doors.  Managed by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and with support from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, the campaign highlights the region's ongoing recovery preparedness for the summer of 2013 tourist season.  The Jersey Shore represents the largest portion of New Jersey's $38 billion tourism industry and is a major source of jobs and economic activity for the state.  In addition to being a central component of the state's economy and work force, the Jersey Shore is also one of our nation's great environmental and recreational treasures.  For more information and to learn more about community resources and exciting events taking place at the Jersey Shore this summer, please visit www.strongerthanthestorm.com.

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SOURCE Stronger than the Storm