The grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of the Walmart Supercenter in Whitehall Township was a festive occasion.

As new store manager Greg McDermott, Whitehall Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. and Whitehall Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Laura Long counted down, employees used oversize scissors to cut the bright yellow ribbon, marking the opening of the 186,000-square foot supercenter official Oct. 17.

Patrons lined up in the store's lobby with shopping carts and around the area where dignitaries and store personnel held the grand opening program. The event was punctuated by a large number of employees providing the daily morning Walmart cheer.

Continuing its involvement with the community, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation announced grants to the following organizations:

· Whitehall Township Fire Department, $1,000.

· Whitehall Township Public Library, $1,000.

· Whitehall Area Chamber of Commerce, $500 for a flagpole.

· George D, Steckel Elementary School, $1,000, given as 20 gift cards in $50 denominations for teachers to buy classroom supplies.

· Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley, $1,000.

· Catasauqua Lions Club, $1,000.

· American Legion Post 576, a gun safe.

"I thank Walmart for making a huge investment in the township," Hozza said, noting it is the third time a major project was completed on the site. Other projects include Hess's in the 1960s and Sam's Club.

McDermott said the new store affords Walmart "the opportunity to do some great things here."

Located off MacArthur Road at Royal Avenue, the store's opening provides the township with 85 new jobs. The new Walmart will employ approximately 300 associates.

The former Walmart is now being leveled to make way for a new parking lot; the work began last week.

"We are proud to be opening during the year. Walmart celebrates the 50th anniversary of its first store opening," McDermott said.

The store features a bakery, deli, meats, dairy products and fresh produce, including an initiative to carry healthier foods.

The new store features many energy saving elements, such as LED lights in signs, freezer cases and parking lot.

The store has a drive-thru pharmacy, digital photo processing center, garden center and Walmart Money Center, and leases area that includes a hair salon and McDonald's.