The flash mob re-enactment of Michael Jackon's "Thriller" video Saturday afternoon in downtown Texarkana certainly thrilled the hundreds of people who lined Front Street to watch it.
The group of about 100 dancers, most dressed as zombies, practiced their moves to the horror-themed video for weeks before the festival. The re-enactment followed the story line and moves featured in Jackson's 14-minute video closely."We just wanted to do something to get the community out and to get them to come together during this season," said Tameka Grady, who helped organize the event. "What better way than to do a Fall Festival in the heart of downtown. We wanted to retrace the steps of 'Thriller' and get the community involved in it."
The dancers in the flash mob have been practicing since the beginning of September.
Before the flash mob kicked off, scary movie staples Freddy Krueger ("Nightmare on Elm Street"), Michael Myers ("Halloween") and Jason Voorhees ("Friday the 13th") made an appearance to raise the excitement of the crowd.
Although the "Thriller" flash mob was the highlight of the festival, people who attended were also able to enjoy great food, bounce houses and unique arts and crafts.
"It's been really nice," said Rephonnie Roberts. "It's good to see all the people come out, and the kids look like they're having a lot of fun."
Six-year-old Shyanne Collins attended with her family. When asked what her favorite thing about the festival was, she said, "Everything."
Breyania Batts said she really enjoyed the food.
"It's really good to have these events downtown," she said.
Grady was excited for the success of the event.
"The crowd loved it, and it was packed out here, super packed. Michael (Jackson) and this downtown festival brought people out. Our downtown was alive, as it should be every weekend. That's pretty much what our goal was and it was accomplished," she said.
The Fall Festival was presented by Diva Maintenance and Twin City Sports Bar.