FOLEY, Ala. — This Friday marks the first day of a three-day long Grand Family Festival celebration of the reopening of the Tanger Outlet Center. With something for everyone, both the celebration and the new center should bring in people from all areas of the community.

“When we decided to do the renovation the powers that be looked at the whole community,” General Manager of Tanger Outlet Center Jackie Sewell said. “They thought about what it is that is unique about this area. What makes this area unique is it’s a a very family oriented area. We made certain our concept for the renovation agreed with community itself so it would fit.”

As a result, the children’s play area, carousel and interactive fountain were added to the center, including an additional 42,000 sq. feet of retail space that allowed the center to employ 1,300 members of the community.

Tanger committed the money to the project prior to the economic troubles that have hit the nation and decided to follow through on the renovations regardless.

“As a company, we are very proud that once we make a commitment to an area and a community we fill it.” Sewell said. “It was amazing to see that we could continue the project despite the economy. It just shows the imagination.”

The company has also spent years raising funds for communities across the country. Last year, the Foley Tanger raised more than $28,000, its largest donation to date, toward breast cancer research. They have also contributed to the Tanger books program which helps fund local schools in Tanger communities.

“Tanger is just a wonderful company that really believes in the community,” Sewell said. “They take on causes and decide to make a different. They don’t have to raise money or work for causes, but they have chosen to do that at every Tanger across the United States.”

Mayor John Koniar looks forward to meeting both Tanger and his son when they arrive for the ribbon cutting ceremony Friday morning.

“This project is a huge investment in the community,” Koniar said. “It shows their great confidence in Foley. [Tanger] always gives a check to the fire department and police. He’s very community minded, which is refreshing. The new center is wonderful, I’ve already been over there; probably too much.”

The improvements to the center, along with a new marketing campaign is already bringing in more shoppers. The center has seen an increase in the number of shoppers in both January and February. The number of participants in events such as the snow bird breakfast has doubled.

Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, the movie “Madagascar 2” will be shown outdoors.

Saturday at 4 p.m. will see a performance from former American Idol Contestant Bo Bice, who will sign autographs after the concert. Photos will be provided.

Prizes, clowns, face painting, balloon artists, and carousel rides will be available all weekend.