Years of planning and construction will culminate today with the grand opening of the Shops of Grand River.

Retailers, developers and others are opening the outlet retail center with a weekend full of events and special deals.

Leeds Mayor Eric Patterson said the project would lead to even bigger things for the city.

“The city is very excited about Grand River and its opening. We welcome the merchants, business owners, and all of the people coming into our city to shop. Grand River has been three years from its inception to opening and we feel it will be a catalyst for development that will form a gateway at the 140 exit that the city of Leeds will be proud of,” Patterson said.

The opening involves the first phase of the mixed-use commercial and residential project by partners Daniel Corporation and US Steel, and includes financing from the Retirement Systems of Alabama.

The first phase of the project includes a 330,393 square-foot shopping center, according to Doug Neil, vice-president of Daniel Corporation. When completed, he said the total capital investment of the entire Grand River project would be $127 million.

During a recent Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce event, Neil said the Shops at Grand River will offer shoppers a unique experience along with named-brand products.

“The success of a project like this depends on tenants. We have been fortunate to get world-class tenants,” he said.

Those associated with the development of the outlet mall have said the project will bring about 650 full-time equivalent jobs. The estimated payroll for the Shops of Grand River is to be around $13 million annually.

“I think this is just the beginning of many exciting things to come for the city of Leeds,” Patterson said.

The weekend full of special events will begin tomorrow with a ribbon cutting at 9:30 a.m. The celebration will feature a packed schedule of events, including special promotions, prize giveaways, live entertainment, VIP appearances, fashion shows, face painting, balloon art, and more.

Schedule of Events

Thursday, Oct. 28

9:30 a.m. – Atrium Stage: Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. –    Throughout Day: TreeMan Stilt Walker

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. –  Main Entrance: WJOX Roundtable – Live Remote

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. –  Atrium Stage: Tropical Breeze Steel Drum Band

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Entry Fountain: Live Animals/ Birmingham Zoo Crew

2 to 4 p.m. – Atrium Stage: Rick & Johnny Swing Duo

3 to 5 p.m. – Main Entrance: WNCB – Live Remote

5 to 8 p.m. – Atrium Stage: Standard Time, Jazz Duo

Friday, Oct. 29

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Throughout Day: TreeMan Stilt Walker and Hooplas

10 a.m. to noon – Atrium Stage: Kip Traylor (acoustic)

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Main Entrance: WJOX Roundtable – Live Remote

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Entry Fountain: Live Animals with Dr. Scales

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – WDJC – Live Remote

12:30 to 1:30 p.m. – Atrium Stage: Fashion Show

2 to 4 p.m. – Atrium Stage: Stuart McNair Louisiana Zydeco

3 to 5 p.m. – Main Entrance: WBPT – Live Remote

5 to 8 p.m. – Atrium Stage: The Negotiators (acoustic)

Saturday, Oct. 30

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Throughout Day: Backyardigans, Hooplas and Stilt Walkers

10 a.m. to noon – Atrium Stage: Jason Bailey, Irish Duo

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Entry Fountain: Live Animals – Birmingham Zoo Crew

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – The Plaza: National Guard IndyCar Simulator

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Main Entrance: WDXB – Live Remote

12:30 to 1:30 p.m. –  Atrium Stage: Fashion Show

1 to 5 p.m. – Pods: 1.) Magic City Face Art; 2.) Dr. B. Looney Balloon Art

2 to 2:40  p.m. – Atrium Stage: The Flying Debris Show

2 – 4 p.m. – Entry Fountain: Live Animals with Dr. Scales

4 – 6 p.m. – The Plaza: Autographs with Bobby Allison

5 – 8 p.m. – Atrium Stage: Tony McCutchen, Steel Drum Solo

Sunday, Oct. 31

Noon to 5 p.m. – Throughout Day: Backyardigans, Hooplas and Stilt Walkers   

Noon to 5 p.m. – Throughout Day: Store Trick-or-Treating

Noon to 2 p.m. – Atrium Stage: John Scalici, Interactive Drum Circle

Noon to 3 p.m. – The Plaza: National Guard IndyCar Simulator

Noon to 6 p.m. – Main Entrance: WZZK – Live Remote

1 to 5 p.m. – Pods: 1.) Magic City Face Art; 2.) Dr. B. Looney Balloon Art

2 to 4 p.m. – Entry Fountain: Live Animals with Dr. Scales

2:30 p.m. – Atrium Stage: Halloween Costume Contest with WZZK

3 to 5 p.m. – Atrium Stage: The Diptones Acappella