The long-awaited grand opening has happened at Cedar Mills Marina & Resort. On Saturday, May 18, the Ships Store opened its doors and porch from 9-11 a.m. for all to join and celebrate the completion of the store’s renovations.
The Ships Store underwent a complete rebuild from the ground up after an electrical fire completely destroyed the store back in March 2023.
During Saturday’s celebration, attendees were welcomed with the sounds of live music; performers were Brad and Tina Hall. Then, as people walked through the doors, they were greeted with discounts, mimosas and hors d’oeuvres.
Local resident Matt Evans has been visiting Cedar Mills since 1989. He said he has been able to witness the Ships Store being rebuilt twice due to flooding and once after a fire. He was very happy to be enjoying the festivities.
“It’s beautiful, it’s a wonderful thing. I’m enjoying it,” Evans said.
When asked if he would recommend Cedar Mills Marina & Resort as a place to enjoy as a family, Evans said, “Absolutely! I think Cedar Mills does a great job. I’ve been on the lake for a long time, I’ve visited all the marinas and this is by far one of the nicest ones on the lake.”
Lynda Richter, from Frisco, Texas, made the long drive to Gordonville because she and her husband knew they needed to show their support and be a part of the festivities. Richter said they own a lake lot nearby and recently decided to get a boat slip at Cedar Mills. She said she has been visiting the lake for the past five years at Cedar Mills and was so sad when the store burned down. She was thrilled to know the Ships Store had plans to rebuild.
“This is the place to be. I’ve been to a few other marinas as well and we really enjoy Cedar Mills,” Richter said.
Shamarie Hull, Cedar Mills Marina & Resort Operations Manager, said the team was very pleased with the amount of people that came out after a whole year of not being able to enjoy the Ships Store due to the fire.
“We see our customers come in generation after generation. We have some that are from three generations that come to Cedar Mills, and it’s just like our family,” Hull said.
The celebration may have lasted until 11 a.m., but the festivities continued into the evening at Pelican’s Landing Restaurant located next to the Ships Store.
Hull said there are many employees that have been with Cedar Mills and have experienced the tragedy of nine floods (others have experienced more), but everyone just keeps moving forward.
“We have some long-term employees that just keep going and we make the best of it. When we come back, we always come back a little bit better,” Hull said.
The Ships Store at Cedar Mills Marina & Resort is now open to the public to enjoy and shop.
They are filled with all sorts of lake attire, boutique-style shoes, clothing and apparel, along with many boating needs. It is also the location to go to or call when making a reservation or inquiring about the marina.
Learn more by following their Facebook page at Cedar Mills Marina & Resort or calling 903-523-4222.
