CENTER VALLEY, Pa.- It was a day full of celebration, community spirit and plenty of furry friends as The Promenade at Saucon Valley marked its 20th anniversary alongside the fourth annual Barktoberfest.
The outdoor shopping destination welcomed visitors for a milestone celebration featuring special anniversary deals, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, local vendors and plenty of four-legged guests ready to join in the fun.
“The Promenade is more than just a shopping mall. It is a community hub,” said Patrick Turner, senior general manager of The Promenade at Saucon Valley.
To celebrate two decades in the community, the shops launched 20 Days of Deals, giving shoppers the chance to take advantage of special anniversary offers.
“Our 20 Days of Deals for the 20th anniversary will go through October 20th,” Turner said. “You can see those deals on our website, promenadesauconvalley.com.”
The anniversary festivities also included a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the milestone and recognize the shopping center’s longstanding connection to the community.
One special moment honored Carolyn Hechler, who has been an employee at The Promenade Shops since it first opened 20 years ago.
“I enjoyed it. I’m glad they appreciated me,” Hechler said of the recognition.
She also expressed her gratitude to the people who have been part of her journey.
“I appreciate everybody and what they have done for me,” she said.
While the anniversary marked an important chapter in the shopping center’s history, Barktoberfest brought an extra dose of excitement to the celebration.
The annual event welcomed dogs and their owners for a day filled with pet-friendly activities, vendors, and plenty of adorable sights.
From dogs dressed in creative costumes, including a pup sporting a hot dog outfit, to caricature artists and local vendors, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
For some visitors, the event was also an opportunity to introduce their rescue dogs to the community.
Joanne Dinatale of Macungie brought along her newest rescue, Rook, an eight-year-old Irish setter.
“I have a new rescue, so I decided to take him down,” Dinatale said.
Michelle Purcell of Allentown also attended with her two rescue dogs, Gibbs and Charlie.
“I have two rescues. This is Gibbs. He is 12 and a half. And this one down here is Charlie. He’s four and a half, maybe five, and he’s scared of everything,” Purcell said with a laugh.
The dogs added plenty of personality to the celebration, as attendees stopped to meet the pups, admire their costumes and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Between honoring 20 years of memories, celebrating longtime employees and welcoming furry friends of all shapes and sizes, Promenade Saucon Valley marked its anniversary in a way that reflected its role as a gathering place for the community.