Eston Co-op celebrates its grand opening

By Joan Janzen

The official grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Eston Co-op store at 210 Railway Avenue West took place on June 2, with long-time employee of 40 years, Murray Mulder, cutting the ribbon. He was assisted by President of the Board, Raylene Formanek, and Board member Jackie Oswald.

Both Gordon Van Kannel, Operations Manager for Central Plains Co-operative, and Shawn Adair, General Manager of Central Plains Co-operative, addressed the crowd in attendance. Gordon said this was the smoothest project he had been involved in throughout his 37 years of service. He described the Co-op store as a hybrid store since it is more than a grocery store.

A sparkling 1954 Pontiac pulled up to the Co-op pumps during the festivities. Owner Bonnie Krenz said she won the car in a Legion raffle about six years ago, and now both she and her husband Gordon enjoy it immensely. It seemed appropriate that they were present since 1954 was also the year the original Co-op store was built.

Numerous representatives from Federated Co-op and board members were in attendance for the occasion.

The grand opening of the Central Plains Co-op in Eston took place on Thursday, June 2. Murray Mulder, who has been employed with the Co-op for 40 years, had the honour of cutting the ribbon. He was assisted by Raylene Formanek, President of the Board (left), and Jackie Oswald, Board member (right).

Local firefighters were on hand to serve hotdogs and hamburgers to the many customers who came for lunch and a piece of cake.

PHOTOS BY JOAN JANZEN