Confusion about Zombie Walk decreases crowd

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) Zombie Walk event organizers said it was not only a chance for people to get character zombie makeup done, but it is all about raising money for Project Lighthouse.

Project Lighthouse is an organization that helps homeless teens in Horry County.

James Clark has attended the walk here in Myrtle Beach for the past four years. Clark said, "We had everything lined up. Everything was fine and then we're told no walk."

Clark was not the only one confused about why the event was initially canceled. David Palinski, the director of Project Lighthouse said, "Found out Wednesday when we made the courtesy phone call that the city was not going to allow them to do this charity event for Project Lighthouse reason being is because no parade permit had been filed which we knew nothing about."

Palinski said he was told he would have to shell out extra cash to pay for law enforcement and barricades. Because they did not have the money, they canceled the event until an unexpected turn of events today at about 3:00pm when a Myrtle Beach Police officer gave the go-ahead.

Palinski added, "We were told everything was good to go. We are ok as long as our zombies stay on the sidewalks don't go in the road, don't obstruct traffic and obey all local pedestrian laws."

So the walk did happen which was a welcome sight for the business owner who hosted the pre-event party. Shellie Rowell said, "We feel as a business in the community that it's part of our responsibility to give back to the community, and I personally was a runaway teenager and ran away at 15 and this charity in particular really speaks to my heart."

Palinski said the confusion did cut into their numbers of people attending by about half. But they were thankful the event could go on.

Adam Russell said, "Through all the misunderstandings and everything else….the city of Myrtle Beach has come through and let us do it and that's a great weight lifted off my shoulders."

Almost 600 people showed up for the Zombie Walk and raised about $2,000 for Project Lighthouse.

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