Little could anyone know when Hamilton Place opened on Aug. 5, 1987, how the super-regional mall would impact lives.
Over 30 years it has changed the way we shop in one location instead of driving to several, where we dine, how we socialize. Family traditions have been made there - back-to-school shopping trips, family photos with the Easter Bunny or Santa, predawn excursions to Black Friday sales. Its stores now employ more than 4,500 residents, and many teenagers found their first jobs there.
Hamilton Place is celebrating its 30th birthday Friday and Saturday, Aug. 4-5, with events throughout each day. It may be the mall's birthday, but shoppers will get gifts and have all the fun.
Friday schedule
9 a.m. Proclamation that Aug. 4 is "Hamilton Place Day" made outside Food Court entrance. Special guests will include pop singer Tiffany, Mayor Andy Berke, County Mayor Jim Coppinger and CBL executives.
10 a.m. The first 300 shoppers will receive a commemorative Hamilton Place drawstring backpack stuffed with coupons, gift cards and mystery gifts from Hamilton Place retailers. Each bag has at least a $10 gift card to Firebirds.
10 a.m.-7 p.m. VIP Shoppers Lounge open on mall's lower level next to Build-A-Bear Workshop.
Shoppers invited to drop by to see fashions of Hamilton Place, hosted by model Kim Coulter. Sample food from Chicken Salad Chick, Abuelo's, Firebirds and more.
All day: Register to win a $300 shopping spree at the Tourist Information Center.
Saturday
8 a.m. Totally Awesome 80's Xpress 5K starting at Academy Sports. Benefits the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga, sponsored by US Xpress.
10 a.m.-7 p.m. VIP Shoppers Lounge open on mall's lower level next to Build-A-Bear Workshop.
11 a.m. Hourly gift card and prize giveaways at the EPB stage, lower level in front of Belk
1 p.m. Fashion from Dillard's at the EPB stage
2 p.m. Free concert by Tiffany
VIP SHOPPERS LOUNGE SCHEDULE
The VIP Shoppers Lounge will be located on the lower level next to Build-A-Bear Workshop, according to Kim Lyons Carson, Hamilton Place marketing director. Activities there are free for all shoppers.
Friday
10 a.m.-noon. Makeover time for Text Club contest winner chosen Aug. 2.
1-2 p.m. Catwalk With Kim Coulter. All ages can learn how to pose for the camera and walk a runway.
3-4 p.m. Styling Tips. Ask Coulter your personal questions about styling.
5-7 p.m. Makeup tips from bareMinerals experts.
Saturday
10 a.m.-noon. Makeover time for Text Club contest winner chosen Aug. 2.
1- 2 p.m. Catwalk with Kim Coulter for teens and tweens. Join local model Olivia Plunkett as she demonstrates poses and discusses makeup tips for teens.
2-4 p.m. Lounge closed for Tiffany meet-and-greet.
5-7 p.m. Makeup tips from bareMinerals experts.
- Compiled by staff writer Susan Pierce
Tiffany trivia test
How big a fan of Tiffany, the 1980s pop singer, are you? Test your knowledge with these questions.1. What was her biggest hit?2. What age was she when that hit was released?3. What’s her full name?4. What was her second No. 1 single?5. Can you name one of her albums?6. With which actress/singer did she trade places on “Celebrity Wife Swap?”7. For what product did she star in a commercial with Wynonna Judd, Lance Bass, Susan Boyle and the Village People?8. What was her first acting job?9. On what popular sitcom did she make a cameo playing herself as a backup singer in a 1980s-inspired music video?10. On what Food Network reality show did she place third?Answers1. “I Think We’re Alone Now”2. 153. Tiffany Renee Darwish4. “Could’ve Been”5. “Tiffany,” “Hold an Old Friend’s Hand,” “The Color of Silence,” “Dust Off and Dance,” “Just Me,” “New Inside” and “Dreams Never Die”6. Nia Peeples7. Miracle Whip8. The voice of Judy Jetson in “Jetsons: The Movie,” and she also contributed three songs to the soundtrack9. “How I Met Your Mother”10. “Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off”ScoringThree or less: Like, so lameFour to six: GnarlySeven or more: Omygod! Total mall chick!