FLINT, MI, June 6, 2007---The Family Friendly Hours @5 program kicks off this Friday at Genesee Valley Center with a weekend full of fun-family activities. This Friday will be the first day of the new program announced last week which requires shoppers under the age of 18 to be accompanied by an adult 21 years of age or older on weekend evenings.
“We encourage our patrons to join us this coming Friday and Saturday after 5 p.m. for an array of activities planned to brighten the shopping experience,” said Ed McHale, vice president and general manager at Genesee Valley Center. “We promise you will be delighted by the events planned for the enjoyment of the entire family.”
Starting at 5 p.m. this Friday, families who shop together will receive a bag of coupons and specials from center tenants and the restaurants. One lucky shopper on Friday and Saturday will receive a $50 Genesee Valley gift card by registering at the customer service desk.
Special events planned for this weekend include:
v On Friday, Andy Smith, a 17th century artist will perform sing-a-long American folk music and recites stories he has written as he strolls the center’s corridors. His stories and music is geared for children ages 5 and up.
v Ben Spitzer, professional magician and juggler will thrill children of all ages with his amazing and hilarious routines. Spitzer keeps rubber chickens air-bound with his specialty act Poultry in Motion. In other routines, he will toss around a few clubs, bowling balls or whatever he happens to grab from his magic bag of tricks. Find him in center court on Friday and Saturday at 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm.
v Merlin the Magician, Genesee Valley Center’s resident story teller, will read in the King Arthur’s Playground in the JCPenney wing on Friday at 5 and 7 pm and on Saturday at 1 and 3 pm The story this week is titled “There’s an Alligator in My Bed” by Mercer Mayer.
v Face painting will be provided by volunteers from Valley Christian Academy near the King Arthur playground on Friday from 5-7 pm.
v On Saturday, stroll over to the Outdoor Village and enjoy first rate entertainment by Deep Blue, a jazz group, from 3 to 5 pm in front of the Coldwater Creek store. For the past three years Deep Blue has performed widely in Southeastern Michigan, including Tom’s Oyster Bar, Fox & Hounds and various cafes. The newly formed Deep Blue is performing a unique fusion of jazz and “Nouveau Flamenco” style music aimed at creating a Euro-café atmosphere.
“All of these activities promote a family-friendly atmosphere here at Genesee Valley Center as we aim to become your favorite family weekend retreat,” said McHale. “Genesee Valley Center prides itself on being a part of the Genesee County community and takes its responsibility very seriously. We hope you will join us in this effort.”
Genesee Valley Center plans to offer additional family and youth-focused promotions working with mall merchants and youth organizations such as Boys and Girls Club, while continuing to support existing efforts such as the Children’s Miracle Network Radiothon. The mall will soon announce a Back-to-School promotion with retailer Steve & Barry’s surrounding 125 pairs of new Starbury shoes. Youngsters can also still enjoy character readings in King Arthur’s Castle playground every Saturday at 1 and 3 p.m. as well as the Toddler Tuesdays gymnastic program provided by the Grand Blanc Gymnastics.
Genesee Valley Center, managed by Jones Lang LaSalle, is located on Miller and Linden Roads in Flint Township. Genesee Valley Center is the largest shopping center north of metro Detroit and the first regional mall to add an outdoor shopping experience connected to their existing building. The dynamic retail mix featuring more than 130 retailers, the first Bar Louie Restaurant in Michigan and such tenants as Victoria’s Secret, Hollister, Bandolino, Coldwater Creek, Barnes & Noble Booksellers and anchored by Macy’s, JCPenney and Sears. For the latest mall events and information, visit geneseemall.com.
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