Woolies welcomes first customers

Eric Hutchinson MHR, left, mayor Martyn Evans, manager Wendy
Harris, premier Will Hodgman and Cr Barry Lathey.

PREMIER Will Hodgman was among the special guests at tonight's opening of the new Woolworths supermarket in New Norfolk.

Despite mixed messages about whether tonight's function or tomorrow's 8am media event is the official opening, a happy crowd braved the cool conditions at the new supermarket earlier this evening.

The Federal Member for Lyons, Eric Hutchinson, and Derwent Valley mayor Martyn Evans were also on hand as store manager Wendy Harris cut an impressive-looking cake.

Located right across the road from the previous Woolworths premises which are understood to have closed this evening, the new supermarket's opening celebrations will continue with a balloon artist and face-painting from 10am-3pm tomorrow (Wednesday) and a jumping castle and face-painting on Saturday from 10am-1pm.

This Saturday and Sunday the supermarket will be giving away a $25 gift voucher every 15 minutes between 10am and 2pm.

Tomato grower and former mayor Nick Cracknell
inspects the wares in the new supermarket.

New Norfolk High School prefects received a cheque
 for the school.

Some of the first customers making their way into
the new supermarket.

The scene outside the supermarket after the opening.

The happy crowd at the opening.

Local musicians entertained  the shoppers waiting for the
doors to open.