When the doors to the new Turkey Shoppe on Main fling open to customers for the first time this weekend it won’t mark simply a grand new showcase for the national Wild Turkey Federation, but rather a crown jewel for all of downtown Edgefield.

At least that’s the way the NWTF’s Brian Dowler, public relations director, sees it.

“It’s not just about us and the fact that we’re opening a new store,” he said. “We want people to come out and enjoy themselves and see everything that the community has to offer. Yes, it’s a good thing for us, but it’s a great thing for the community as well.”

The weekend will be full of fun and entertainment.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on Thursday, September 3rd, at 4 p.m.

Then on Friday, a block party is scheduled for the Downtown area and product representatives will be on hand at the store to assist customers with purchases.

Brenda Valentine, known around the world as the “first lady of hunting”, is scheduled to be on hand for the event as well. Dove season opens Saturday, and WKSX Radio will broadcast live on location with door prizes such as firearms, a fire pit and artwork will be given away. Businesses on the Square will remain open late Friday night to accommodate shoppers.

The new 4,700-square-foot building will be home to a vast array of products sure to satisfy hunters of all shapes and sizes. There will be hats, Columbia apparel, Diawa fishing rods, ammunition, firearms, novelty items, hunting equipment of all kinds and even popular examples of wildlife art.

The store will employ two full-time employees and one part-time employee and be open for business Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.