Ward’s Ace and Country Store hosted its Grand Opening over the weekend, officially opening its doors to customers.  While the store has been open for business for several months, the Grand Opening serves as notice that the store is ready for business in every way possible.

The Grand Opening event featured raffles for several valuable items, food trucks, outdoor grilling, in-store sales, and other highlights.  The Iron Door Smokehouse, Swaffles and Cream, and Bamma Wamma’s were on hand to beat back the cold with warm food.  Ace also used their Traeger and Green Egg grills to roast Thanksgiving turkey and vegetables.  Brady Showell and Kendan McCullough welcomed customers to the store with the offer of freshly smoked food.

The store was busy throughout the weekend, with many customers making their way in for the first time since the store’s initial opening.  The product lines featured at the store were all up and running.  As customers wandered around the spacious and brightly lit store, many commented on the wide selection, and the items that could not be found elsewhere in town.  “Something for everyone” tuned out to be true, as the registers hummed during the evening hours on Saturday as the raffle drew closer.  

Store manager Enoch Ward stayed busy showing customers around the building, pointing out the store’s features and answering questions about services.  One of the things that caught people’s attention was “Larry’s Loft,” a selection of work clothes in the silo section of the building.  “There really isn’t anywhere else in Malad to get clothes,” Halli Corbridge said, looking around the display.  “This is awesome!”

The area where the Lawn and Garden center will be in place for spring was also decked out for the holidays.  

The raffle winners were announced via the store’s Facebook page, which can be found under Ward’s Ace and Country store.  The page has an active presence, and provides an inside look at the store and employees.  IFA donated bags of feed won by James Strausser, and an outdoor stove won by Gordon Smith (“Our very first customer!  He cut the ribbon”).  The $100 Ace gift card was won by Jay Gregorsen.  A set of binoculars was won by Tatiana Yearsley.  3 Glock range kits were won by Jennifer Blanchard, Cory Daniels, and a Melissa who left a number but not a last name.  The Milwaukee Fuel Drill and Driver kit was won by Ryan Roberts.  The grand prize, a $1200 Henry Law Enforcement Edition rifle, was won by Mandi Hess. 

Ward’s Ace and Country Store offers a wide range of home repair, outdoor, recreation, and Feed supplies.  It is also the only retailer in the county offering firearms.  RV storage facilities are also available for rent at the location.  The posted hours for the store are 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Stop by Ward’s Ace and see what all the fuss is about.