Zombies overtake Cherry Street Plaza, come alive to dance 'Thriller'

When darkness falls across the land Friday, the zombies will come out in Cherry Street Plaza for the annual zombie parade and "Thriller" dance.

The evening begins with a pre-show at 7 p.m. featuring performances by Flag City School of Dance, Hayiya Dance Theatre, KAOS, Central High School Glee Club and more, and ends with a street party with music by DJ PartyMan, which lasts until about 10 p.m., said Hayiya founder Pilar Wilder.

The highlight of the night, the zombie parade features about 80 people, made up of local school groups, dance companies and other members of the community who all have been practicing for weeks.

"It's that community aspect that makes me so happy," Wilder said, adding that the event gets bigger every year.

"This is our 10th year, and we are sticking with a formula we know works best. But, of course, we want to do some things that keep people coming back every year, and we have already started planning for next year."

-- Laura Shirley

Zombie Parade and "Thriller" dance

When: 7 p.m. Oct. 30

Where: Cherry Street Plaza, downtown Macon

Cost: Free

Information: 478-254-5497

This story was originally published October 29, 2015 at 4:32 PM with the headline "Zombies overtake Cherry Street Plaza, come alive to dance 'Thriller' ."