Dine on the Line shaping up

Dine on the Line 2019, the main fundraising event for Main Street Texarkana, is coming together.

With tables lining the middle of State Line Avenue just south of the downtown post office, residents will gather to break bread and have a meal. The Fifth Annual Dine on the Line event is planned for 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 4 in downtown Texarkana.

On Tuesday, Main Street board members discussed matters with Melissa Massey of Southern Grace Parties and Gifts, who will be coordinating the dining part of Dine on the Line.

“Farm to table is going to be the thing this year,” Massey said. “We will be coordinating with the farmers’ markets of both sides of the state line for the food. Also, we will be enlisting the services of Texarkana Independent School District chefs to serve the dinner.”

Craft beer will be featured, as it was popular last year. Local music will keep the crowd entertained.

“This year’s event will be more like a date night,” said Ina McDowell, executive director. “More upscale. Servers will bring the meal to the diners this year.”

In other business, board members also discussed the retro-art-style mural going up on TLC Burgers & Fries.

Board Member Dr. Beverly Rowe observed the hard work being done, even in the sweltering conditions of August.

“They are out there working in the heat of the day, sketching each square. It is fascinating, watching how the artists do such a mural,” she said.

The mural is expected to be unveiled during Dine on the Line.

“They are working with the lights, doors, around the windows on the second floor, they are working to make the structure blend into the mural,” McDowell said.

Another recent downtown development was 35 sets of twins photographed Aug. 7, along with Santa, at Photo Island in the heat of the day. At that event, the Christmas parade theme “A Twin Cities Christmas” was announced. The parade will be held Dec. 9.