Historical figures of Woodbridge’s past will come back to life as part of the Woodbridge Ghost Walk this weekend.
The event, which benefits the nonprofit Woodbridge Arts Alliance (WAA), unites history with the arts for its sixth year, according to Jane McLaughlin, event founder and board member of the WAA.
Offering two full weekends of fun, the event starts off with a Zombie Parade at 5 p.m. Oct. 11, wrapping up at the Parker Press building. The Ghost Walk starts at this venue, with the first tour beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the last at 9 p.m. While there is no parade on Oct. 18, the Ghost Walk will be held on this date, as well.
Those who want to extend their experience can check out a special event called Zombie Alley after the tour.
“We take the storytelling one step further,” McLaughlin said, explaining that as part of the tour, about 40 actors dress and act their assigned parts, which are often based on Woodbridge residents of yesteryear. The characters come from time periods such as the Colonial and Victorian eras.
McLaughlin said the production is getting “bigger and bigger” each year, with new historical figures making an appearance. Due to last year’s overwhelming attendance of 1,000 participants, McLaughlin added a second tour route this year to help manage traffic flow. Those interested can choose either the “Park” or “Main Street” route.
The walks are family-friendly but not handicapped-accessible. However, McLaughlin said she only recommends Zombie Alley for those over age 10.
The tours, which last 40 minutes, cost $6 a person.
Each participant gets a cookie and hot chocolate, thanks to sponsor Quick Chek. Other sponsors include Miller’s Woodbridge Ale House and CostumeDiscounters.com.
Should the “spirit world” call for rain — something McLaughlin annually dreads — there is a rain date of Oct. 19.
“All we do is pray for good weather,” she said.
Haunted History Productions, made possible through the European School of Dance in Fords, runs the program in partnership with the township’s Recreation Department.
For more information, call 732-596- 4048 or visit www.hauntedhistoryproductions.com.