Shoppers encountered an unusual sight at the Monroeville Mall on Friday as the “Zombie Capital of the World” made an appearance for the Living Dead Weekend.

The zombified event had its first day full of living dead activities starting at noon and will continue through Sunday. VIP ticket holders were able to experience the various vendors, exhibits and celebrities present before the rest of the attendees were allowed in.

The Living Dead Weekend celebrates George Romero and his 1978 film “Dawn of the Dead” and all things horror. Cast members from the “Day of the Dead” and “The Return of the Living Dead” reunited for the occasion to celebrate the films’ 35th anniversaries.

Mandy Rejman, co-owner of the Living Dead Museum, was excited to see everyone again after the festival was postponed last year because of covid-19 and travel restrictions since many vendors, attendees and celebrities travel from afar to visit.

“We are so happy to be back open and be able to be a beacon for all horrors fans to come together,” she said.

Kevin Kreiss, owner of the Living Dead Museum, organized the first festival in 2017.

The Monroeville Mall holds significance for the festival as it was the setting for “Dawn of the Dead,” a movie that is still popular among horror fans.

There were a few celebrity appearances Friday as fans lined up to get photographs and autographs from Greg Nicotero, a special effects makeup artist and director for AMC’s “The Walking Dead.” Linnea Quigley, who starred in “The Return of the Living Dead,” planned to do a live ’80s horror workout later that night.

Storefronts held different exhibit spaces for vendors to talk to attendees and display their merchandise ranging from DVDs, figurines, posters and movie props.

Justin Seaman runs “Scream Team Releasing” where he sells indie horror films. It was his first time being a vendor at the Monroeville Mall. Seaman was happy to see people socializing and gathering again — especially in horror fashion.

“Some people may find it strange seeing zombies roaming around, but for me it’s a normal life,” he said.

Jessica Camus, owner of Jade Dragon Co., has been a vendor at the festival three or four times.

“It’s so nice seeing everyone dressed up and meeting celebrities,” Camus said. “Everyone is so nice here.”

The mall has become a must-see sight for horror fans. Some drive great distances to visit.

Clifford Napier drove from Danville, Ky. He attends 15 to 20 conventions a year. This was his third time at the Living Dead festival.

“I’ve met so many people and made so many friends that now I like to focus on the experience,” he said.

Mikayla Wood came with her family from Wellsburg, W.Va. While her mother and brother have come to the festival for years, she thought it was finally time to check it out for herself.

“I always loved ‘Dead’ movies and I figured it was about time. I got to meet Greg Nicotero, and he was really nice,” Wood said.

For more information about the festival, visit thelivingdeadweekend.com.

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