Two years ago CC took me on a Happy 60th Birthday trip. We have been huge fans of zombies ever since grade school and watching Night of the Living Dead (original). We live about a 3 hours drive from where that was filmed. For my birthday we were going to go to the cemetery where the opening scene was filmed and then from there we would find things to do in and around Pittsburgh. It turned out to be a fabulous trip that you can read more about HERE.
Last year I wanted to go again; CC had a family thing already planned for that weekend so she couldn't go; but I planned the weekend and went all by myself. I had a BLAST and met so many nice people (you're really never alone there). You can read that adventure HERE.
I've decided to go again by myself this year (I really don't think CC enjoyed it quite as much as I did that first year). I like to go to see Greg Nicotero. They haven't announced his presence yet, and considering the theme this year (as he was too young to be an actor/special effects at that time), he may not be attending BUT that doesn't matter; it will be a fun event regardless.
This year's theme is Dawn of the Dead (the original one). It was filmed in the mall where the event is held! I again got a VIP ticket for the weekend and that, this year, includes a screening on Friday night in the mall theaters of (what else) Dawn of the Dead!!
The Monroeville Mall was sold last year to Walmart. Walmart's plans are to tear it down and build a Walmart and strip mall. No one wants this; but it looks as though it is past the fighting phase. This will probably be the last Living Dead Weekend at this location. There are dozens of cast members of this movie attending; so it's a pretty big deal! And it's why I want to attend, Nicotero or not 😊!
They have a lot packed into the weekend. I've opted out of another behind the scenes mall tour - I did that last year and since tours are limited, decided others deserve the chance. The drive up is tiring to begin with. I'll go straight to the mall on Friday to get my arm band and just see the vendors and celebrities and work out my game plan. Then off to hotel check-in and some much needed rest before a pre-movie party, the movie and whatever else is planned. I think I'm going to need an hour or two of sleep before the evening festivities as it will be a late night!
I'm so looking forward to this trip!!
