PHOTOS: Enter the Emporium

SANDUSKY — Much enjoyment and even more excitement filled the space now known as The Emporium at West Market Street. Many people attended a grand opening celebration and carnival on Friday at the marketplace's new home, 314 W. Market St., in downtown Sandusky. Since January, contractors and crews worked tirelessly to renovate a space once home to the Register's mail room and storage areas, culminating in this one-of-a-kind venue. The Register's news team and office remain located in a neighboring space underneath the same roof. It's the newest venture for GMA Asset Management Group, overseen by the Chicotel family: spouses Alan and Mimi along with their son, Gale. GMA, which owns the Register building, spells out Gale, Mimi and Alan. "It has exceeded my vision," said Alan, noting he's "mostly a finance guy, and Mimi is the one who really put this all together. She has done an amazing job." He said they both wanted a space "for people who want to do something new and try something exciting at an affordable rate." Mimi wholeheartedly agreed. "We want a space for people to go shopping downtown," she said. Future phases for the Register building call for building apartments in upper-floor areas. A delightful day A four-hour reception kicked off at 4 p.m. with the winner announced of a Register newstand bin art contest. Artists decorated old newspaper boxes in creative and distinct ways. Siah Kornegay took home first-place honors and $1,000 for her creation of "Sandusky Platform 3" which mixed natural elements with a train theme. A ribbon-cutting ceremony then took place at 4:30 p.m. with many people taking part and marveling at The Emporium. "The grand opening marks not just the launch of a dynamic marketplace but a celebration of community creativity in the historic Sandusky Register building," said Patrick Shepherd, the Greater Sandusky Partnership's member services and engagement director. Right afterward, a free family-friendly street festival filled with community celebration began, highlighted by: — Live music from New York City-based band KarsToo! and followed by DJ Chosen — Free family entertainment by The Fun Firm, including a caricaturist, balloon twister and face-painter — Balloon decorations provided by Violet Pineapple Balloons, adding festive flair to the celebration — Free giveaways distributed During this time, guests could also check out the newly completed mural on the building's exterior — a vibrant tribute to the region's beauty, spirit and identity. "The mural reflects the heart of the city and offers a stunning visual centerpiece to this new community space," said Mimi, who also invited its artists, Derek Brennan and Darian Shepherd, and their families to attend this event. Bio blast Mimi, who acts as CEO of GMA Asset Management Group, which owns the Register building, provided a primer on The Emporium: "The Emporium at Market Street is a reimagined indoor space in the historic Register building that blends creativity, commerce and culture. Highlights include: • A boutique-style tattoo studio and personal grooming stations, offering modern services focused on self-expression and personal care • Indoor vendor space for local artists, crafters and entrepreneurs to display and sell their work • A seasonal farmer's market supporting local food producers and small farms • Outdoor accommodations for four to six food trucks, bringing diverse culinary options to the heart of downtown." There's a special offer to also celebrate its opening: "Vendor booths are free for the entire month of August, open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week," Chicotel said. "This is an open invitation for new and experienced entrepreneurs to try the space, build a following and engage with the community risk-free." Chicotel stressed how The Emporium "operates on flat rates only, never taking a percentage of vendors' sales receipts. It is designed as a platform for true growth and care, ensuring creators and entrepreneurs keep more of what they earn while growing in a supportive, community-driven environment." People can email emporiumwestmarket@gmail.com or visit emporiumwestmarket.com for more information.