Monsters take over downtown in annual parade

By Chirstin Kennedy

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Mummies, werewolves, vampires, goblins and ghouls of all varieties gathered downtown to watch zombies dance to the tune of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” Sunday night.

Going 14 years strong, the parade, put on by Lexington’s division of Parks and Recreation in collaboration with Mecca Live Studio and Gallery, has become a pre-Halloween ritual for the city of Lexington. Crowds began to gather around 6:30 p.m. to witness the spectacle.

The parade and thriller dance both began at the intersection of Quality Street and Main Street, proceeded along Main Street and ended at Mill Street.

This year there were a total of 2,000 zombie participants to come out and dance to the iconic “Thriller” song.

There is an audition process for the parts of Michael Jackson and his girlfriend in August. There was a total of five actors who played Michael Jackson in the parade.

Courtney Cummings was chosen this year to be the first female to play Michael Jackson.

“I am a huge fan of (Michael Jackson), and I have been since I can remember,” Cummings said. “(He) is someone I look up to and I’m honored to play him in the event tonight.”

Ozlem Davis, one of many zombies in the show, displayed visible signs of dehydration, decay, and leanness on her face and body. She had a blank, expressionless face with blood all over her body and torn clothes.

“I’ve done ‘Thriller’ four time since 2007 — it is so much fun and the dances are my favorite,” Davis said. She also said the practices are always fun and relaxing because everyone really gets into the dance.

A dance showcase led up to the parade and the Thriller dance, with local organizations, school bands and performers taking the stage at 6:30 p.m. at Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza.

Many local vendors surrounded the stage, with food varieties ranging from hot dogs, nachos and tacos to fried chicken and French fries.

“The entire goal of (Parks and Recreation) is to provide a fun atmosphere in downtown Lexington,” said Mindy Stone, event coordinator for Parks and Recreation. “This is a community event to celebrate Halloween and the iconic ‘Thriller’ dance.”

Participants in the parade must wear a costume of some sort. Usually organizations pay a fee to participate in the parade.

The fee to participate in the “Thriller” dance is $13 per participant. There is a total of four different practices over the course of a month to get ready for the dance, and participants must attend at least one of them.

“You’ll see everything from age three all the way to senior citizens participating,” Stone said.

For more information regarding the Halloween parade and thriller dance and how to get involved, visit the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government’s website.

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