Already known for its frenzy, Black Friday just got even more exciting at Meadowbrook Mall.

 

In addition to its annual 6 a.m. balloon drop spectacular - during which shoppers can catch free prize vouchers and gift cards – the mall has announced that an afternoon meet and greet will feature Cheryl Burke of ABC TV’s “Dancing with the Stars.”

 

“We are so excited to offer something for everyone as far as entertainment goes this Thanksgiving weekend,” said Meadowbrook Mall Marketing Director Robin Urquhart.

 

Burke was a dance professional on the primetime competitive dance show for 18 seasons which stretched over a 10-year period.

 

During that time, she won the coveted mirror ball trophy with stars including Emmitt Smith, Drew Lachey and Jack Osbourne. A year ago, she made her last appearance on DWTS, announcing that she was pursuing another avenue of dance entertainment.

 

Burke will accommodate fans with autographs and photos (one per customer) 1-4 p.m. Friday. An express line will be available to shoppers who obtain passes by accumulating $100 or more in receipts dated Nov. 26 or 27 from mall merchants. Receipts can be taken to the customer service customer and redeemed for the fast pass, while supplies last.

 

The Thanksgiving holiday special event starts 6 p.m. Thursday. The first 1,000 people to show up at the WDTV5 Event Center will receive swag bags filled with giveaways, mall coupons and reindeer antlers, jingle bell bracelets and glow sticks. Broadcasting live and playing holiday tunes will be WKKW.

 

“Every shopper who wears their reindeer apparel will have the chance to win some great prizes throughout the night,” Urquhart said. “Then from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. Friday, the mall will host ‘Rock the Mall’ social media Olympics 2015 at the WDTV5 Event Center.”

Prizes will be mall gift cards.

 

At 6 a.m. Friday, the balloon drop spectacular will take place at the WDTV5 Event Center.

 

“We will release 200 balloons from the ceiling for shoppers to catch. Every balloon has a gift card prize valued at between $10 and $500,” Urquhart said.

 

Two lucky shoppers will receive the latter. Shoppers must be at least 18 years old and have a valid photo I.D. to claim prizes by taking balloons to redemption tables, manned by members of the Bridgeport High School DECA Club.

 

“And, of course, Santa Claus will be at his chair in Sears Court on Friday to meet with children,” Urquhart said. “Every child visiting with Santa will receive a free gift from Chick-fil-A, while supplies last.” 

 

Editor's Note: Photo of Santa was taken by Tyler Vincent of Ben Queen Photography. See more images of his arrival for the 2015 holiday season HERE.