The opening of the Oildorado store Saturday created quite a bit of buzz and brought a measure of reality to planning for Taft’s 100th birthday party.
The store and headquarters at the corner of Fifth and Main streets in the historic Pioneer Mercantile building is vastly different than any other in the history of the town’s once-every-five-year celebration – from the ceremony to the atmosphere to the merchandise.
Local welder Brian Jameson quickly and efficiently cut through a length of pipe to formally christen the store and headquarters at Fifth and Main streets.
“No wimpy ribbon-cutting with a fake pair of scissors for us,” Oildorado President Eric Cooper said to a large crowd waiting to check out souvenirs that ranged from shirts and hats to clocks and bar stools.
There was a bit of drama, though, before the doors opened.
The Wooden Nickel Gang “kidnapped” 2005 Oildorado Queen Kayla Hillygus.
Pandemonium reigned briefly before Oildorado Sheriff Billy White and his posse restored order with a timely rescue.
Local artist Maggie Blackwell unveiled the official Oildorado water color painting that will be available in prints, postcards and puzzles.
Once inside, Oildorado shoppers found the most spacious and cozy store in the celebration’s history – from the “12 O’Clock Whistle” drink and snack bar to automated check-out stations.
Sculptor Benjamin Victor mingled with guests in a special section devoted to the oil worker’s monument that is taking shape nearby and will be formally dedicated on the first day of the celebration.
Cooper had a one-word assessment of opening day: “Wow!”
He was delighted with the turnout.
“We had an amazing turnout. This store is something we can all be proud of.”
Cooper said merchandise continues to be added to the stock.
“We will be getting new stuff in,” he said. “Some things haven’t arrived yet.”
Special events will be planned, he said, including demonstrations by Victor.
Arrest warrants for the posse and kidnap warrants for the Wooden Nickel Gang will begin on Sept. 15.
“So far, it has been great,” said store manager Linda Reed. “We had a wonderful first day. The turnout was great.”
She had good things to say about the volunteer staff that has worked the past few weeks getting the store stocked and ready to greet customers.
“We have a friendly staff ready to help you,” she said. “And if you don’t find what you want, just tell us and we’ll do everything we can to find it.”
Reed also said the store is still signing up volunteers.
“If anyone is interested, they can contact me at the store,” she said.
Cooper hopes the community will embrace the store and headquarters.
“We want this to be a place where people can meet and get together,” he said.
The store will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
It was open on Sunday too, hosting former Taft chef Leonard Gentieu, who prepared beef and chicken breast to show off his line of seasonings.
Gentieu, who operates a luxury yacht out of Morro Bay for pleasure cruises, also gave friends and store customers a sneak peak at a promotional video that was scheduled to be released Monday on the You Tube social network.
“It’s always great to come back to Taft and see old friends,” he said. “Taft is a special place. It’s where I got my start.”
Gentieu captured the spirit of Oildorado during the 1975 celebration when he created a world record sandwich.
The 2010 version will run for 10 days beginning Oct. 15.
