Landing heats up for summer

News

Staff Writer

The Landing is kicking off its “Grand Summer” beginning Monday with a weeklong celebration that includes dance performances, special prices on food and drinks and a salute to the riverfront center’s newest merchants and “Off the Grid” art galleries.

“Several new businesses and Off the Grid galleries have opened in the last year. Not every retail center can say that,” said Blakeley Ainsworth, public relations and marketing coordinator.

Some of the special events are local dancers performing in the food court Monday-Friday during lunch and in the courtyard each evening, she said. Saturday, MTV’s “America’s Dance Crew” will make an appearance.

Friday night, June 25, the Landing’s series of three free summer concerts in the courtyard debuts with Grand Funk Railroad at 8 p.m. The Atlanta Rhythm Section will perform July 23 and the series will wrap up Aug. 20 with Little River Band.

Also Saturday, the Landing will host an arts and farmers market with a petting zoo, face painting and a magic show.

The Landing’s annual four-week battle of the bands competition begins July 10 with 24 local groups competing for the title, “Last Band Standing.”

Monday through June 25, there will be $5 meal deals in the food court, half-price Frappuccinos at Starbucks and a free bagel with any purchase during breakfast at Village Bread Cafe.

“We have something for every age group and families,” said Ainsworth. “And all of our events are free.”

One of the new merchants, Lina Woods at Lina M. Bath Boutique, keeps track of her customers and said she recently recorded her 600th new client since she opened her shop in March.

“Having this promotion is great,” said Woods. “Because the holiday shopping season starts as soon as summer ends.”

Woods also said she realizes it’s unusual for a new store to open in March, which is traditionally the slowest time of the year for retail sales. “But I’ve been successful. I think it’s the mix of businesses that makes the Landing work.”