The Living Dead Weekend, an annual celebration of George A. Romero's iconic zombie films, is coming to a close at Monroeville Mall. This year's event marks a bittersweet moment as it may be the final time the mall transforms into a zombie-infested wonderland. The mall, built in the late 1960s and immortalized in Romero's 'Dawn of the Dead,' is set to be demolished by Walmart, who purchased it in 2025. This looming fate adds an extra layer of urgency and emotion to the festival, as fans flock to experience the zombie-themed festivities one last time.
The Living Dead Museum, a key attraction, has played a pivotal role in keeping the mall alive. Kevin Kriess, the museum's owner, organized the first weekend in 2017, and it has since become a global phenomenon. Gene Barney, a box office staff member, highlights the museum's impact, noting that it attracts visitors from around the world, who then go on to shop at the mall. This symbiotic relationship between the museum and the mall has been a lifeline for the struggling shopping center.
The festival offers a diverse range of activities, from panel discussions to filming-site tours and a mini-Comic-Con area. It has become a haven for fans, like Trey Wallace, who drove from Erie in full zombie regalia. Wallace's enthusiasm for the cult classic 'Dawn of the Dead' and its iconic elements, such as George A. Romero's filmmaking and Tom Savini's makeup, is shared by many. The event also provides a platform for artists like Ricky Blalock, who found inspiration in the zombie apocalypse. Blalock, a former drafting engineer, turned to drawing monsters after being inspired by 'The Walking Dead' TV series, showcasing his unique artwork at the festival.
This year's event was particularly special, featuring the largest group of 'Dawn of the Dead' cast members ever assembled. Ken Foree, who portrayed the militant SWAT Officer Peter Washington, delivered the film's iconic line, 'When there is no more room in hell, the dead will walk the earth.' The phrase was echoed across the mall, on the back of promotional T-shirts, adding a layer of irony to the situation. The festival's impact extends beyond the mall, as Diana Reyes, who attended the weekend for the second time, wishes to preserve the mall as a historic landmark, recognizing its cultural significance and economic benefits.
However, the festival's end is inevitable. The mall's impending demolition by Walmart raises questions about the preservation of pop culture landmarks. The Living Dead Weekend, while providing a temporary escape, also serves as a reminder of the fragility of such cultural phenomena. As the festival draws to a close, it leaves an indelible mark on its attendees, who will carry the zombie experience with them long after the mall is gone.
