Opinion - My top seven events of 2007

Without further ado, here's seven events from 2007 which I won't soon forget.

7. The Zombie Walk — Saturday, Sept. 1

While the majority of folks visiting the Spa City that day came out to enjoy Final Stretch weekend activities, more than 200 members of the undead participated in Saratoga Springs' first ever Zombie Walk. The free event, which will hopefully become an annual tradition, was put on by Skinless bassist Joe Keyser as a gift for his girlfriend's birthday.

A lot of the outfits and makeup were really terrific. Additionally, many attendees had devised elaborate back stories on how they'd become zombies and made their way to Saratoga.

Most of my zombie walk experience was spent with a small band of rogue zombies who split off from the main group. Even though zombies were barred from walking on Broadway, we had a great time battling zombie hunters, taking photographs in a cemetery and moaning for brains on side streets.

6. EQX Fest -- Monday, July, 30

Over the course of eight sultry hours, 10 acts performed on three stages at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Even without Satellite Party, who cancelled last minute because of a personnel change, the inaugural EQX Fest was the best concert this summer.

WEQX, an independently owned and operated alternative rock station based out of Manchester, Vt., did a fantastic job assembling an eclectic and stimulating lineup composed of local bands, up-and-coming artists, and well-known groups such as The Urgency, TV on the Radio, The Nightwatchman, and 311. A nice feature of the festival was the conflict-free design of its schedule, which afforded every artist the opportunity to be heard.

Ever since high school, I've enjoyed reviewing concerts. Getting paid to do so and getting a free ticket are nice perks of my job.

5. Queens of the Stone Age — Wednesday, Oct., 17

When I first heard that Queens of the Stone Age were coming to Northern Lights in Clifton Park, I was excited to see them live again. After I found out tickets were only $20,1 had to go.

I knew going in that QOTSA would put on a terrific show. What took me by surprise was how good the two supporting bands were.

Biffy Clyro's energetic approach was reminiscent of the Foo Fighters, and the Black Angels' brooding set reminded me of Neil Young. Together, the three groups created the most formidable bill of the year.

4. Chris Cornell - Saturday, Nov. 10

After more than 20 years of fronting rock bands, Chris Cornell's voice still sounds incredible. The 43-year-old played songs from Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, and Audioslave as well as solo material during his remarkable set, which clocked in at around two and a half hours.

This was the best concert of the year, and I'm glad my brother Tim and my friend Dan were there to relish in it with me.

3. Received a New York Press Association award — Friday, March 30

In my first year as a journalist, I won third place for education writing in our paper's division. Anytime someone recognizes you for a job well done, it's a pretty good feeling.

2. Moved to Clifton Park - Saturday, July 7

Goodbye Saratoga Lake; hello Clifton Park! My rent is half of what it used to be, my roommates Rick and Jeff are awesome and the entire living situation is worlds ahead of what it had been.

1. Got engaged — Monday, May 28

Following four outstanding years of dating, most of which were spent far apart, I got down on my knee and tied my shoe. Then, I asked Jen to marry me at our bench at Yaddo Gardens.

The wedding is in June, and I will be relocating south to North Carolina. Doesn't get much better than that.