Zombie Prom scares up funds for good cause
DEERFIELD - A good cause will put a smile on anyone’s face — even a zombie.
These walking dead creatures showed up by the dozens to support Bridgeton Public Library at the annual Zombie Prom held Saturday night at the Deerfield Elks Lodge No. 733.
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Big smiles lightened the frightening effect of their blood-stained costumes, pale bloody faces and dark shadowed eyes as they enjoyed an evening of food, live music, dancing and conversation. The zombies fed on a spread of sandwiches and snacks, including phony bologna that looked just like a liver and cupcakes with eyeballs and fingers.
“It’s a fun night for a good cause,” said Allison Jengehino of Shiloh who has attended the event for the past few years.
“It’s fun to dress up, but really it’s to support the library,” said Peggy Stretch of Bridgeton.
Some attendees such as Stefanie DeMarco of Upper Deerfield go all out with their makeup. She dressed as a zombie nurse, complete with scars and cuts made of makeup and an artificial needle hanging from her neck.
“It’s fun to dress up and look freaky,” she said. She comes back every year to socialize, dance and to listen to the live music. “The band is really good.”
The Bad Weather Blues Band performed again this year for the second consecutive year, and they were dressed as zombies too.
The Deerfield Elks Lodge partnered with the library to present the fundraiser this year.
“It’s for the community, and it’s what the Elks should be doing,” said Tony DeMarco of the lodge.
Courtenay Reece, director of Bridgeton Public Library, expressed gratitude for the partnership with the Elks.
“They recognized the value and chose to support the library in a way that is fun and timely for the community,” said Reece. “This event helps not only financially, but it helps promote the library. We hope new people will decide to visit the library.”
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“It’s a fun library event, and it gets the library noticed by people who might not have come to the library,” said Barb Wilchensky of Upper Deerfield.
The library was forced to temporarily close late last week due to a water related emergency. Meanwhile, the library has teamed up with the Bridgeton Main Street Association to open a pop-up library at the David Sheppard House, 31 W. Commerce St.
Library services will be offered on a limited basis 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning Tuesday. Books, newspaper and Wi-Fi will be available to library patrons. For more information, visit Bridgeton Public Library on Facebook or at bridgetonlibrary.org or call (856) 451-2620.
