DANBURY, CONN. — Area residents can start celebrating the Halloween season early at the “First Apocalyptic Rocktober Zombiefest,” an event featuring an assortment of festive activities, at Ives Concert Park. Zombiefest will be from 7 to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012, at the outdoor venue on the Western Connecticut State University Westside campus, 43 Lake Ave. Extension in Danbury. Tickets are $10 and the event is open to ages 10 and up.

Rock-and roll band Pat Horgan & Thunder Road will be the highlight performance of the night. Based in the Bronx, Thunder Road delivers authentic classic rock in its purest form. The band has opened for legends Blue Oyster Cult, Marshall Crenshaw, Glen Burtnik, Lou Gramm, Robbie Depree, Tuff Darts, The Charlie Daniels Band, Peter Tork, Mountain and many others.

Hosted by zombie Chiller Chucky, the Zombiefest will feature frightening food and brew, a zombie male and female beauty contest and a screening of the horror film “Night of the Living Dead.” Attendees also will be able to enjoy a “Thriller” flash mob as well as an after-dark dance party.

The $10 admission fee will be waived for guests who purchase a $10 raffle ticket. The raffle is for a dream vacation where one lucky winner will be able to create their own once-in-a-lifetime trip to wherever they’ve longed to visit. Or, the winner can choose from a pre-selected list of some of the most desirable destinations, ranging from the Super Bowl or Grammy Awards to a Caribbean cruise — the options are endless. The trip is valued at $6,500. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Friends of the Ives Inc., a nonprofit organization that works to preserve the park and the ongoing cultural events that it offers. Tickets will be drawn at 8 p.m. the night of Zombiefest, Oct. 6. You do not have to be present to win.

For more information, visit www.ivesconcertpark.com.

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.