PORT ARTHUR, Texas — Central Mall in Port Arthur is being turned into an anime and Asian food festival this weekend.
Over 100 vendors selling food, merchandise and anime themed items will fill Central Mall on February 24 and 25 for the Otaku Food Festival.
"You are guaranteed to have something happen every half hour," said Festival Organizer Vincent Tran.
The two day festival's namesake is inspired by the Japanese word for "nerd".
Crowds this weekend are expected to breathe new life into the mall and preparations continue as the event approaches. Central Mall General Manager Angela Browning is hoping to take advantage of the crowd.
"It brings in outsiders that haven't shopped at the mall in a while. It brings us back to life, and tells the community we are here," Browning said.
The Otaku Food Festival showcases all types of Asian cuisine that can bring people from all walks of life together.
"We are talking about Japanese, Taiwanese, Thai, Lao, Korean, Asian fusion. Just things you won't be able to find in Port Arthur," Tran said.
Another activity that will featured at the festival is Sumo wrestling, cosplay contests, voice actor meet and greets, Lion Dances and more live entertainment.
"We are going to have a stage set up and voice actors that do the voices for the anime. It's a really big deal," Tran told 12News.
In one of the vacant parking lots there will be over 20 food vendors for Southeast Texans to try.
Inside the mall hallways will be filled with vendors that make up Anime Village and festivalgoers can dress up as their favorite characters.
"We are not here to do a show and then leave, that's not what we are about. We are here to work with the community, the mall is a great opportunity. I like to work with malls that may need even more traffic," said Tran.
There is no entrance fee, but they suggest you bring cash to purchase any food or trinkets from vendors.
"Cash is king and we hope you come out and support us so we can keep coming to Port Arthur," Tran said.
The hours again are Saturday from 12-8 p.m. and Sunday 12-6 p.m.
