Eddie Munster is returning to Hot Springs after his 2018 appearance at Spa-Con for a special Halloween-themed Bridge Street LIVE on Oct. 28.
Butch Patrick, who played the young werewolf on "The Munsters" from 1964-1966, will return to downtown Hot Springs along with the Munster Koach, the television family's car.
"He was so easygoing and interacted with the fans, no problem," Visit Hot Springs Marketing Manager Bill Solleder said. "He just went above and beyond what a celebrity might normally do. So we loved him so much, and then recently I read that he had moved to Arkansas. So I reached back out to the agent and asked if this was true, and sure enough, he's living in Arkansas."
Solleder said Patrick responded within hours that he was interested in returning to the Spa City.
"He'll set up a table and tent for a meet and greet with fans, and then he'll also have the Munster Koach," he said. "And if I know Butch, he probably will rev that thing up a few times, which is loud and fun. You know, it's gonna be like a little mini NASCAR, so I think it's exciting."
This is the second year for Bridge Street LIVE, and Solleder said the focus on a Halloween-inspired event was too good to miss. Memphis Soul Revue returns to Hot Springs for the first October Bridge Street LIVE after the group was featured as the first musical act for the event last June.
"They've done Bridge Street LIVE the first time we had it back in last June, and they're super well received -- really fun, very danceable, gets the crowd going," he said. "They'll be playing. DJ Courier will kick things off, just to kind of get the music started. Maxwell Blade, our very own magician, has agreed to do a celebrity DJ set in between gates opening and Memphis Soul Revue, so that should be really fun."
Solleder said the celebrity DJ returns after success by DJ Mayor, Mayor Pat McCabe, and DJ Whataburger, Gary Troutman and Jackie Arrison, in June.
"All their friends came out, and it was just such a hoot to watch these, you know, local community members play music and dance around," he said. "It was great. So we'll have Maxwell Blade back for that."
While the event will be held the Friday prior to Halloween, costumes are encouraged, and Solleder hinted at the possibility of a costume contest.
"I think my staff are going to want to get dressed up in costumes, and we encourage everyone to do the same," he said. "We haven't announced any details for a costume contest, but I'm sure that that is going to happen. Not really exactly like kids' trick or treat event, although kids are more than welcome, just more of like a street party, a block party, a spooky fun block party to just get Halloween weekend in Hot Springs going because the rest of the weekend is great.
"Between Magic Screams, and Boo with a Badge, and Spooklawn, and Glow on the Row, Halloween weekend has become like -- it's a place to be, whether you're from here or traveling to come and enjoy Halloween weekend."
Gates open for the free event at 5 p.m. with DJ Courier at the stage and Butch Patrick available for a meet and greet. Maxwell Blade is set to take the stage at 6 p.m. before Memphis Soul Revue performs from 7-10 p.m.
Food and drink will be available for purchase, and the district's guidelines allow patrons over 21 to walk freely through the area with beer, wine or spirits.