If you see dozens of Texarkanians dancing in the area of Broad and Front streets in full zombie mode Saturday afternoon, don't run.
It's part of this year's fledgling Fall Festival, a first annual event presented by the organization Diva Maintenance and Twin City Sports Bar downtown. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Front Street Festival Plaza with food trucks, arts and craft vendors, a trunk or treat and live music.
"It is a 'Thriller' flash mob, so it will be Michael Jackson, zombies and a reenactment of the Michael Jackson 'Thriller' video," said organizer Tameka Grady, who's been instrumental in organizing recent food truck festivals downtown.
Because it's a flash mob, they'll keep the exact time a secret, but you'll see the zombies dance sometime between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
"We have quite a few people, maybe 100 or a little bit more, who will be participating in this dance," Grady said, adding, "They're going to be retracing the dance steps of the legendary Michael Jackson." They've rehearsed weekly near Front Street, the dancer ages ranging from roughly 5 years old to 70 years old, she said.
"It will be a parade of dancing zombies," said Grady, who said the inspiration was to have a fall festival in the heart of the downtown community with someone who brings everyone together like Michael Jackson. She sees a great moment with zombies and werewolves ahead.
Live music with the Cage Rattlers starts at 2 p.m. They perform a mixture of rock and blues with traditional country, in addition to their own songs. Other musical acts are expected to perform, too, with Sgt. B at the helm for sound. Food vendors include Hopkins Icehouse, Verona, Los Ruvalcaba, Scottie's Grill and others. You'll be able to enjoy turkey legs, barbecue and more.
Games will be provided for kids by local nonprofit agencies, such as Circle of Friends, Bikers Against Child Abuse and more. Ark-La-Tex Animal Rescue and Pink Ride will participate, too. The local Jeep club presents a trunk or treat starting at 4 p.m. Plus, there's shopping.
"We have arts and crafts vendors, lots of them," Grady said.
(Admission is free. More info: ArkLaTexFest.com.)