Open arms at The Ridge: Crowds throng to grand opening

Marshall's store manager Julie Marcoux and another associate welcome customers to the store on Thursday during their grand opening at The Ridge in Rochester. (Lebanon Voice photo)

ROCHESTER - The red carpet at The Ridge on Thursday wasn't lined with fashionistas in gorgeous gowns, but the deejays, hot dogs, clowns and free gift cards made for a spectacular grand opening nonetheless.

Marshall's, Famous Footwear and PetCo. opened their doors officially on Thursday with all kinds of attractions and lots and lots of customers.

Julie Marcoux, a manager at Marshall's, said the day started out with a visit from city officials and then welcoming their first customers at 8 a.m. and soon after a scavenger hunt for $25 gift cards that were hidden throughout the store.

"It's been a great turnout," she said. "Opening days at Marshall's usually are."

Marshall's opening also included a deejay and clowns doing face painting and balloon animals.

PetCo, which opened on Monday, also enjoyed brisk business. The pet store will have an official ribbon cutting on Saturday at 8:55 a.m. with free $10 gift cards to the first 100 Pals Rewards customers.

WHO LET THE DOGS OUT - Nancy Pelton of Wolfeboro, leaves PetCo on Thursday with her dogs Daisy, a Bichon cocker, left, and Lily, a Pomeranian.

Meanwhile, Famous Footwear was also open for business, but will have its grand opening on May 7 at 9:30 a.m.

The remaining retail and food establishments to be part of The Ridge, including a Market Basket, are expected to open in July.

The Ridge will be a 250,000+ square foot open-air retail destination located on Route 11. According to a press release on Wednesday from Jennifer A. Murphy Aubin, Executive Secretary of Rochester's Office of Community & Economic Development, the Ridge "is the centerpiece of the Granite Ridge Development District and will include an eclectic mix of retailers, restaurants, services, a movie theater and will also feature an outdoor park space for seasonal events, community gatherings, arts programs, farmer's markets, kids programs and a place to simply enjoy al-fresco dining."