Davis Zombies ride bikes for a cause
Halloween bike parade brings community together to raise money for children with disabilities
By Savannah Vela — city@theaggie.org
Every Halloween for the past seven years, Davis has become the epicenter of a cycling zombie outbreak. This Halloween is no different – the eighth annual Zombie Bike Parade Festival is returning Saturday, Oct. 31.
Hosted by Davis Odd Fellows, the free, family-friendly Zombie Bike Parade Festival brings the community together through cycling, entertainment and Halloween spirit. Beyond wacky costumes and celebrations, the event raises money for NorCal Trykers, a nonprofit that provides custom tricycles to children with disabilities.
A BMX stunt show is a main attraction that will additionally celebrate the NorCal Trykers. The festivities extend beyond the bikes with more than 35 entertainment stations hosted by different Davis organizations and volunteers throughout the day, which ends with a skydiving performance in Davis Community Park.
The festival’s schedule includes the Monster Run from 8 to 10 a.m. followed by the central celebration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the Zombie Bike Parade occurring from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. After the days’ entertainment, families are encouraged to explore downtown businesses hosting their own Halloween events.
The bike ride is optional, allowing visitors to join in any capacity possible. Aaron Wedra, director of the Zombie Bike Parade Festival, mentions that accessibility, whether it be physical or financial, makes the festival open for everyone.
“It gives a lot of families something to do with their children that doesn't go in their checkbook,” Wedra said.
Financial accessibility was a core pillar at the start of the event in 2019, when a $5 admission fee was charged during its first year with 250 riders. The event has since become free and open to the community.
The festival’s growth has relied on partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits and service organizations. Some contribute financially, while others host entertainment stations or provide volunteers.
The most rewarding part of the event is not completing the parade, but the greater community focus. Over the past seven years, the event has donated more than $50,000 to NorCal Trykers, funding 42 adaptive tricycles for children with disabilities, according to the Zombie Bike Parade website.
“We know 42 children have been able to have a bike and go out on dog walks or to the park with their family and friends,” Wedra said. “They feel like they are moving themselves when they get onto that tricycle, and they’re able to pedal and move forward.”
For children who receive the tricycles, the effect goes beyond having a new way to get around. President of NorCal Trykers, Gill Williams, explained the impact of the event on families and their children.
“[Children] are getting exercise with [them], having fun and it’s a normal activity,” Williams said. “They’re able to move at speed for the first time in their lives.”
The annual event has grown into more than just a Halloween celebration into the community rallying to raise money for children with disabilities through cycling and creative costumes.
And for many, the festival represents the Davis community spirit. Comedian Brent Pella, who stars in the Zombie Bike Parade Comedy Show, shared his experience with the event.
“I love seeing my hometown grow stronger through events like this one,” Pella said on the official website. “It brings people together for a beautiful cause.”
To learn more about the event visit the Zombie Bike Parade guide at their website.
Written by: Savannah Vela— city@theaggie.org