By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Proving the show must go on, the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce zombies will take part in the Haunted Woods Walk Oct. 15 and 16 at Aroostook State Park.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
The Haunted Woods Walk will take place Oct. 15-16 at the Aroostook State Park, with a good scare awaiting visitors, courtesy of the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce and numerous volunteers who’ve been preparing like crazy for the annual event. Zombies from the film “The Zombies are Coming to Town,” which was filmed in parts of Aroostook County in the past year, particularly Caribou, included, from left, Matthew Dobson, Nathan Oliver (firm director) and John Gagnon.
When a family member fell ill, Nathan Oliver, director of “The Zombies Are Coming to Town,” had to cancel his planned appearance at the event, as did a few other cast members who’d expressed interest in participating. Hearing the news, some local individuals who’d worked on the film — the movie was filmed in Aroostook County earlier this year — stepped forward, volunteering their spooking skills at the annual event.
“We have seven members of the film cast and crew helping out so far, with additional support from friends and family,” said Dianna Leighton, who played Wanda in the movie.
The zombie volunteers so far includes: Chris Raven, who played Devon in the movie; Ashley Williamson, who played Julia; Derek Boudreau, who played Jeff; Steve Archer, who performed as Carl; Jonathan Judkins, who portrayed Greg; and Jeff Johnson, who served as camera assistant on the production.
Leighton said she participated in the film this summer and was planning to participate in the Haunted Woods Walk before the cancellation.
“When I heard that we needed to back out of the walk, I wanted to take another look and see if we could re-group to stay involved. I think we’ve all been very committed to the film and Nathan’s vision from the beginning, so we definitely wanted to show this solidarity by sticking it out,” said Leighton.
Even with a smaller crew and fewer resources, Leighton said the group will still be able to “create a great zombie experience at the Haunted Woods Walk for the folks of Aroostook County.
“So far, it’s been a ton of fun working as a group again and I think visitors will find that we’ve put together a terrifyingly good show,” said Leighton.
Oliver expressed appreciation for Leighton and the others taking over on such short notice.
“There are several individuals who’ve taken over the reigns from us in terms of participating in the walk. Dianna has been great in trying to come up with a backup plan and we have given her full permission and right to use anything connected to the film that we had discussed previously, at her discretion,” said Oliver, adding, “I’m sending good vibes to the event.”
“I’m heartbroken that I cannot attend. But it’s really shaping up and looks like it will be a fantastic time,” said Oliver.
For more information on the walk, contact the PIACC at 764-6561.
