FARMINGTON -- Farmington cheerleaders, dance squad, high school band, school mascot, city officials, City Council and Planning Commission members and lots of citizens showed up early Wednesday morning to celebrate the opening of a new Walmart Neighborhood Market.
"It's a great day in Farmington," shouted Mayor Ernie Penn, during a ceremony held in front of the store Aug. 13. "I'm excited for this store to be in our community. I'm excited about the economic impact this store is going to have on our community and our schools."
Penn said he was looking forward to a partnership between Walmart and the community.
"We welcome Walmart to the community of Farmington," Penn said in closing his remarks.
Troy Conrad, pastor of Farmington United Methodist Church, opened the brief program with prayer.
Country music stars, Alaska and Madi of Tulsa, Okla., belted out the National Anthem, receiving a great round of applause for their talents. The duo were contestants on the popular show, The Voice. Even though they eventually were eliminated from the show, they've gone on to continue a career in country music.
Jesse Pinkston, Neighborhood Market manager, thanked a list of people involved in the opening of the new store. He gave out hard hats signed by all store associates to his planning team.
"The store planning team comes in and makes sure we open successfully," Pinkston said.
He thanked his management team for their long hours and dedication to the store and he thanked the community for coming out to the celebration to show its support. He also expressed thanks to God and his family.
Pinkston gave out ceremonial checks to seven groups totaling $7,500.
The Farmington School District received $2,500; Police Department, $1,500; Fire Department, $1,500; Farmington Senior Center, $500; NWA Food Bank, $500; Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Farmington Walk to Cure Diabetes, $500; and Single Parent Scholarship Fund, $500.
Following the program, everyone moved over to the front doors and Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce board members sponsored a ribbon cutting to officially open the store and welcome Walmart to the community.
The doors opened and people streamed into the building to see the new store.
"I love it," said Ken Rue of Farmington. "It's going to be a great addition to Farmington."
Chamber President Jodi Hendricks said, "We're so grateful for what they are going to offer the community."
The new Walmart is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It has a pharmacy with drive-in window, full-service deli, fresh produce and non-food items. The store has 90 full-time and part-time employees. It is located at the intersection of Grace Lane and Main Street, across from City Hall.
General News on 08/20/2014