Zombie flash mob set for Downtown festival

The third annual Downtown Texarkana Fall Festival from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, has another Michael Jackson-themed flash mob in the works, this time going back to the "Thriller" flash mob style that was so popular at the 2016 rendition of this event. (Gazette file photo)
The third annual Downtown Texarkana Fall Festival from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, has another Michael Jackson-themed flash mob in the works, this time going back to the "Thriller" flash mob style that was so popular at the 2016 rendition of this event. (Gazette file photo)

Zombie flash mobs have thrilled downtown two years in a row, and now it's time for a third.

The 3rd annual Downtown Texarkana Fall Festival from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, at Front Street Festival Plaza has another Michael Jackson-themed flash mob in the works, this time going back to the "Thriller" flash mob style that was so popular at the first rendition of this event.

"We definitely would like everyone to come out and enjoy," said organizer Tameka Grady of Diva Maintenance, adding, "There will be music and different things for the kids." Parents can shop while children get their faces painted, for example.

Food trucks will be open during the entire event, with arts and craft vendors going from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free.

"At 3 p.m. we will be doing a costume contest for adults and also for kids," said Grady, noting pets can get in on the costume contest glory, too, as long as they're on a leash. "At 4:30 p.m. our trunk or treat will begin for kids," Grady said. Cars, motorcycles and other vehicles will be decorated and lined up for kids to visit and receive treats. Sometime during the afternoon, a surprise flash mob enters the fray.Grady says says festival attendees should expect to see a flash mob descend upon the festivities sometime between the costume contests and trunk or treat. Last year, the flash mob moved to the sounds of Jackson's monster hit "Beat It." This time it will be "Thriller." Once again, the exact time of the flash mob won't be divulged.

"It will be a surprise," Grady said. Her business Diva Maintenance has staged other downtown festivals in addition to the Downtown Texarkana Fall Festival, including a food festival and catfish festival.

"I enjoy seeing the families and coworkers and friends come out," Grady said. It makes her feel good to see people having something to do that's friendly, fun and free.

As of press time, the live music lineup wasn't completely decided. "We do know that we will have Gregatron performing live music, for sure," Grady said, adding, "He's going to rock out. The kids are going to love it."

For more information, check out the Downtown Texarkana Fall Festival event page on Facebook.

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