Citizens of Auburn gathered together Aug. 21 to celebrate the reopening of Toomer’s Corner and the downtown area.
The event, Come Home to the Corner, was free to all and invited everyone to come to downtown Auburn from 5-9 p.m.
Shops opened their doors and extended their hours to welcome customers from all over to explore the new setting of downtown.
Students and citizens filled the streets and stores, browsing merchandise with family and friends.
“We are staying open tonight until 9, when we usually close at 7,” said Abby Campbell, sales associate at Auburn Art. “It gives people a chance to walk around after dinner.”
Madison Aulner, key holder manager of Wrapsody, said she enjoyed seeing members of the community celebrate the opening of the streets downtown.
She also said the event had more people than she thought, which has made up for the lack of customers this summer because of the construction.
Aulner said this was one of the busiest events she has been a part of.
Toomer’s Corner, which has been under construction all summer, has come back with a new road and new atmosphere.
Beverly and Gary Sandberg, who have lived in Auburn for 10 and a half years, heard about the event through the newspaper.
“It’s just so pleasant,” Beverly said. “It’s like a ‘Thank you for waiting all summer for the work to be done.’”
Beverly said downtown had a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere full of great people and music.
Gary said the city of Auburn did a terrific job on the renovations, and he was impressed with the work.
Haley Haas, intern for downtown Auburn, described the event as a grand opening and the beginning of a new chapter for downtown Auburn.
“We’re just trying to get people walking around the small businesses and hang out at the new and improved Toomer’s Corner,” Haas said.
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