Patrons lined up at the brand new Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market, at 1422 W. Oglethorpe Highway in Hinesville, this morning hoping to be the first ones in during the store’s grand opening.

Store Manager Dennis Parrott greeted the patrons waiting in line and said he was thankful to be accepted into the community.

Members of the East Liberty County American Legion Post 321 and the Hinesville Vietnam Veterans of America Post 789 helped in ushering in the new store. The VVA unfolded and raised the store’s new American flag while Travis Brown played the national anthem on his saxophone.

The Rev. Katrina Deason of Liberty County Manna House offered an invocation, saying the community was blessed with new jobs and a continued partnership with the Wal-Mart family store. She asked the Lord to watch over the new market and its employees and family. She added that she wished for success and longevity for the business.

Parrott briefly introduced his staff and, with the assistance of Hinesville Mayor Jim Thomas and Mayor Pro Tem Charles Frasier, the ribbon was cut and the doors opened to receive customers.

People flocked into the new store. The polished concrete floors opened into rows of grocery aisles, perfectly stocked.

The store offers a variety of grocery items, household cleaners, pet food items, health items and a pharmacy. Much like the Wal-Mart Supercenter just up the street, the Neighborhood Market will be open 24 hours a days, seven days a week. The pharmacy hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The pharmacy has a drive-up window service. The gas station in front of the store will be open daily from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m.

The grand opening celebration continues throughout the day.

Read the full report about the new store in Sunday’s Coastal Courier.