On Halloween in Durango, students and young adults attend an event that occurs on Main Street known as the Zombie March. Participants march and holler through the streets from midnight to about 2 a.m.

The Zombie March appeals to students as a way to be rebellious and challenge authority, Chase Gaumond, senior of political science at Fort Lewis College, said. Taking over one of the main economic arteries in town is a good way to do that.

A few years ago some serious rioting occurred, he said. It is fine if people are safe and respect property, but once it crosses the line of having fun to being a civil disturbance the problem arises.  

“I tend to avoid things that have the potential to erupt into civil disturbances,” he said.

Gaumond has not been an attendee of the Zombie March, but has heard the stories and seen the photos, he said.

“I know a lot of people enjoy it,” he said.

“In the past few years maybe it has been calming down a little bit,” Mitch Davis, public affairs officer at FLC, said.

It is something the Durango police department always prepares for, he said.

Gaumond said he would like to stay away for his own safety and to avoid criminal charges.

It is easy to get caught in the middle of a mob mentality, he said.

“I’m not saying not to have fun but don’t take it to an extreme that your fun is hanging out in La Plata County jail,” he said.

Some common citations are things like drunk and disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace, Davis said. If students are drinking, they are advised not to drink to excess.

It is also advisable to keep an eye on what is going on around you, watch your drink so nothing can be slipped into it, do not accept drinks from someone you do not know and be careful who you accept rides home from, he said.

There are other college related activities other than the Zombie March, Davis said.

“If you don’t want to go to the Zombie March, go to the KDUR Halloween Ball at Animas City Theatre,” he said. “I think it should be a good show.”