NORWICH – Lowe’s Home Improvement Center will open its doors to the public over the next week. In celebration of the new store a line-up of activities are scheduled.

From 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, the store will be open to associates and their families for touring and purchasing items. There will be a child’s room so parents can tour the store and take time to see all of the items for sale. “Contractor Day” by invitation only, is next Monday for local contractors who have been invited to tour and enjoy discounts store-wide. There will what is called a “soft” grand opening on Oct. 24 and 25. This grand opening will include the store being open regular business hours from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., but the windows will still be covered black, the associates will be making final adjustments and no official opening festivities are scheduled.

The official grand opening will be held from Oct. 26 through 29. Opening ceremonies including the traditional “board cutting” and grant giveaway is scheduled. Norwich Mayor Joseph Maiurano, Town Supervisor David Law and other dignitaries will be on hand to join in the opening ceremonies. Tradition is when Lowe’s opens a new store a $1,000 grant is given to a community non-profit organization. The Red Cross is scheduled to be on hand to receive such a grant in Norwich.