BOOfest Starts in Norcross

Traditional Halloween activities are taking on a new twist in Norcross, during a special cultural event called BOOfest.

New this year, BOOfest combines the colorful Mexican celebration “Day of the Dead” with the lighter side of Halloween, adding a dash of the spiritual magic behind African masks and Lowcountry Gullah, according to a press release.

From October 23 – 31, both kids and adults are invited to join in mask-making workshops, storytelling, building and decorating a traditional altar, a film, a bike-decorating contest, a “Mask-Parade” and more. 

Here's the complete schedule, via A Place to Imagine:

Tuesday, Oct. 23, 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.: Free mask-making class at the Robert D. Fowler YMCA center in Peachtree Corners. Open for children of all ages. Call 770-246-9622 to sign up.

Friday, Oct. 26, 7 p.m.: Exhibit opening at Vargas & Harbin Gallery Studio called "Day of the Dead," featuring artists' skulls.

Saturday, Oct. 27:

• Noon-1 p.m., 3 p.m.-4 p.m.: Free kids workshop where they can hear stories and paint a mask--African, Day of the Dead, or Halloween themed!
• 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.: Facepainting, free crafts, storytelling and learning about Dia de los Muertos in downtown Norcross, outside Vargas & Harbin Gallery.
• 4 p.m.-7p.m.: Vargas & Harbin downtown is offering adult mask-making classes for $25 and includes all the materials. Email Tixie Fowler at tfowler@norcrossga.net to RSVP.
• 4:30 p.m.-5 p.m.: Parade time! Dress the kids up to be a part of a parade in Lillian Webb Park. They'll also be able to get prizes for different categories such as Best Costume, BOOfest King & Queen and Best Decorated Bike. The parade will end in Thrasher Park.
• 5 p.m.-7 p.m.: Participating downtown merchants will be handing out candy to trick-or-treaters and adults.
• 10 p.m.-1 a.m.: Iron Horse Tavern is hosting its annual Halloween celebration, complete with a costume contest. Win up to $500 in prizes!

Sunday, Oct. 28, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.: Free "Gullah Tales" documentary presented by writer and director Gary Moss. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. at the Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center.

Monday, Oct. 29, 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.: Sally Toole is hosting the Norcross Haunted History Walks and will start from 45 South Cafe. For tickets, visit historywalksofnorcross.com or call Toole at 404-934-4605.

Tuesday, Oct. 30:

• 6 p.m.: Zapata is offering Day of the Dead tequilas, adult face painting and authentic Mexican food.
• 7 p.m.: Vargas & Harbin Gallery is offering live music along with its Day of the Dead exhibit
• 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.: The Norcross Haunted History Walks continues. See above for ticket information.

The above schedule came from aplacetoimagine.com.

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