Saturday, June 29, 2013 was officially declared Zion Market Day in the City of San Diego.

 

The party was on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard this morning as dignitaries gathered and shoppers crowded to witness the Grand Opening Celebration of Zion Market’s new location at 7655 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard. The festive atmosphere was set in motion to the beat of drums by the San Diego Korean Pungmul School. Known throughout the Korean community (and beyond) for their beautiful, rhythmic, lively, traditional performance, the Korean Pungmul students kept the crowd entertained in the early morning heat.

The drums were followed by Three Treasures Cultural Arts Society Dragon Dancers in their colorful costumes. With the hope that the dragons would bring Zion Market good luck in their new location, they performed gymnastic feats and entertained the crowd with their large draconic maws. Feeding the dragon, by the way, will bring good luck to the bystanders as well! 😉

The ribbon cutting for the newly remodeled 94,500-square-foot building included local officials including three candidates running for City Council in District 6, City officials, officials from local Asian American associations, the Police Department, as well as the owner of Zion market.

The San Diego KPOP Flashmob brought Psy in for an appearance and danced to “Gentleman.”

Inside the market, shoppers were busy shopping and cashiers were hard at work, trying to keep up with the long lines of patrons waiting to ring up the special opening day bargains. I scored some really nice organic apples. The majority of the shops on the non-supermarket side were open for business as well, including the new Boba Tea shop, Paris Baguette, Optical, jewelry and travel stores, and Erom, where I tasted (and purchased) some wonderfully healthy raw food packs that are made into smoothies. Yep, the green stuff to the right was what I gratefully enjoyed for breakfast after the opening extravaganza outdoors.

My favorite cosmetic counter (and my favorite cosmetics consultant) were also on hand. A little later make-up artists from Los Angeles were available to make people beautiful.

I’m not sure when those poor folks at Zion ever got breaks today, but after being entertained, energized, fortified and beautified, I personally made my way back to my air conditioned home.

Welcome to your new home, Zion Market! See you again very soon!