As Kelsey Rhea, owner of children's clothing boutique pink & blue cut the ribbon for the store's grand opening on Saturday morning, a young boy shouted, "This is a day to remember."

Around 15 people gathered at the new store on Beaver Street while Sewickley Mayor Brian Jeffe presided over the ceremony. After a short speech in which he urged his audience to spread the word about new businesses in the community, Jeffe stepped aside for Rhea to cut the ribbon. 

The celebration included pink and blue cookies donated by the Ultimate Pastry Shop, pink lemonade and face painting.  Though small, the event was a memorable way to acknowledge a surge of new business in Sewickley.

The revival will continue into September, as five other new businesses plan to hold their own grand openings. They include Nyches Hot Dogs, House 15143, Threadz, Vivo Kitchen and East Coast Sandwiches.

The grand openings and ribbon-cutting ceremonies are part of Village Green Partners' initiative to revitalize Sewickley's business district.

Pink & Blue owner Rhea said she is grateful for Village Green Partners' efforts and believes their revitalization campaigns will help her store and other new businesses succeed.

"The ribbon-cutting ceremony is just one more way that the town of Sewickley has shown me support," she said. 

Village Green Partners wants to ensure that excitement surrounds each new business, and Rhea is confident that effort is working.

"There is a real sense of community that thrives in Sewickley and people seem to be excited to support local businesses again," she said.