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As many enjoyed the weekend last Saturday night, a group of festive friends made their way around Winchester for the third consecutive year.

The 2023 edition of the Zombie Pub Crawl took place on Saturday, Oct 21.

Chad Walker and his wife, Jill, own The Engine House Pizza Pub on W. Lexington Avenue.

Walker played a significant role in creating the event.

“We originally started it as kind of an assistance to restaurants during the COVID pandemic because everyone was shut down,” he said. “It’s since then been something everyone wants to keep doing year after year, and it’s always a fun time.”

At approximately 6:30 p.m., costumed individuals gathered outside the Clark County Courthouse steps.

Many of them were wearing traditional “zombie” costumed gear.

However, there was an opportunity for more.

“Jill came up with [the] idea to be all-inclusive, not just zombies, but to allow [others],” Walker said.

As a result, individuals were dressed in a variety of costumes, such as Freddie Krueger from the “Nightmare on Elm Street” film series, witches and warlocks, Chucky from the “Child’s Play” film series, and even plaque doctors who treated those afflicted by the Bubonic Plague of the 16th and 17th centuries.

After participating in the event last year, Jesse McCoy and Megan McCoy returned dressed as Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf.

“Halloween is one of those things that you can get into and have fun with,” Jesse McCoy said. “It drives awareness to a few things [with] everyone hanging out [and] checking out new restaurants.”

The group headed to Loma’s at about 7:00 p.m. to start the night’s fun.

Afterward, they went to Amy’s Asian Kitchen, where owner Amy Rouse and staff were waiting to serve drinks and egg rolls.

Having opened in Winchester during the last year, it was the first time Amy’s Asian Kitchen participated in the Zombie Pub Crawl.

“It’s so [great]. When I look at it, I think…’  that’s so different!”, Rouse said, expressing a desire to participate again. “I love it.”

Later, the group appeared at La Trattoria, The Hall Coffee and Social Club, Regeneration Distillery, Micki’s Irish Bar, and more, playing music such as the film “Ghostbusters” theme from a portable JBL speaker as they traveled.

While many of the costumed were returnees, it also served those who were new as well.

“It was really a spur-of-the-moment thing. We decided we were just going to dress up today,” said Tommy Mullins, who dressed as a prisoner and attended with others. “I’ve enjoyed going to all the local places and being with my friends.”