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There are moments in American history when civic pride, community spirit, and ceremonial tradition converge into a single, unforgettable event. The Laying of the Cornerstone of the Manor Club in Pelham Manor, NY on Thanksgiving Day: A Historic Groundbreaking Ceremony stands among these cherished milestones. On Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1887, at precisely 10 a.m., the citizens of Pelham Manor gathered beneath the crisp autumn sky to witness a proud display of unity and purpose. With dignity and celebration, they marked the beginning of what would become the cultural and social heart of their community—the Manor Club.

We imagine that morning vividly: families dressed in their finest holiday attire, the scent of roasted chestnuts mingling with the chill of late November, and the golden rays of the autumn sun glinting off polished groundbreaking shovels and banners adorned with customized ribbons. This was no ordinary construction milestone—it was a symbolic act of faith in the future, carried out with the same reverence Americans hold for Thanksgiving Day itself. The rhythmic sound of hammers, the ceremonial placement of the cornerstone, and the gleam of the groundbreaking shovels all reflected gratitude and hope.

We find inspiration in this historic event, for it beautifully embodies the very essence of what we celebrate with our own modern Groundbreaking Ceremony traditions. When we lift our groundbreaking shovels, tie customized ribbons to fence posts, or roll out a welcoming carpet, we connect with a heritage that reaches back generations. At CeremonialSupplies.com, we honor that history by providing everything needed to make each Groundbreaking Ceremony as memorable and dignified as the one that took place in Pelham Manor more than a century ago.

Our premium-crafted groundbreaking shovels are designed not merely as tools, but as keepsakes—meticulously plated in polished gold, silver, or chrome, each featuring smooth hardwood handles and engravable blades for personalization. These groundbreaking shovels mirror the ceremonial instruments once used by founders and dignitaries in the 19th century. Alongside them, our customized ribbons add color, elegance, and symbolism to any event, available in a full range of widths from 1.5 inches up to 12 inches extra-wide. The customized ribbons may be imprinted with the event’s name, date, or emblem, transforming them into lasting mementos for all participants.

But our offerings extend far beyond groundbreaking shovels and customized ribbons. We provide a complete collection of ceremonial props, including event carpets that set the stage for every dignified entrance, military flags and medals that honor tradition, and embroidered logo clothing that enhances staff and volunteer presentation. Our branded tablecloths and chair covers bring refinement to receptions, while wedding and birthday ribbon decorations—crafted with the same care as our customized ribbons—add joy to every occasion. With elegant stanchions and rope, we ensure that ceremonial spaces remain orderly and visually striking.

As we reflect on that cold but festive Thanksgiving Day in 1887, when the first stone of the Manor Club was laid, we see in it the timeless power of ceremony. The villagers’ simple tools—much like today’s groundbreaking shovels—became instruments of legacy. The banners that fluttered in the breeze, much like our customized ribbons, expressed pride, artistry, and shared purpose. It was an event that blended gratitude for the past with excitement for the future—a feeling that still resonates every time we stand before a new foundation, shovel in hand. When we plan our own Groundbreaking Ceremony, we carry forward that same sense of dedication and unity. With gleaming groundbreaking shovels, flowing customized ribbons, and thoughtfully arranged ceremonial props, we create not just a moment—but a memory.

To bring this same spirit of history and beauty to your next event, we invite you to visit CeremonialSupplies.com. Explore our collection of groundbreaking shovels, customized ribbons, and other exceptional ceremonial items designed to make your occasion unforgettable. Connect with us through our online chat or click here for a quote—and let us help you craft a ceremony worthy of history itself.

Ceremonial Ribbons in the story of Bishop Samuel Seabury unfolds against the fragile dawn of a nation that had not yet formally adopted the name “United States.” As we revisit the life of Samuel Seabury—the first Anglican bishop consecrated for America—we frame his journey in the swirling historical context of war’s aftermath, religious restructuring, and the cultural rebirth of a people seeking identity. In honoring this story, we weave imagery of custom ribbons, carpet runners, and custom vertical banners throughout, symbolizing the ceremonial dignity Seabury brought to a fledgling church.

We begin with the turbulent backdrop of the American Revolution, a time when clergy loyal to the Church of England faced suspicion and fractured parishes. Into this chaos stepped Seabury, a devout Connecticut clergyman determined to preserve apostolic continuity. His consecration in 1784 by Scottish bishops represented a breakthrough—an act both spiritual and political, echoing the meaning behind ceremonial ribbons marking a new ceremonial beginning. Just as modern ceremonies rely on custom ribbons to create symbolic transitions, Seabury’s consecration marked a transition for American Anglicanism itself.

During that era of uncertainty, gatherings were simple but reverent, not unlike events today where carpet runners are laid to establish direction and formality. In telling Seabury’s story, we imagine carpet runners used across great colonial halls—guiding congregants toward unity. Meanwhile 10 and 12 inch wide custom vertical banners, are historically reminiscent of heraldic processional flags, would have been the kind of stately embellishment worthy of Seabury’s mission to stabilize the church.

His leadership helped shape what would become the Episcopal Church, offering structure, liturgy, and pastoral order. In many ways, his consecration served as a ceremonial blueprint—something echoed centuries later in the work of CeremonialSupplies.com, whose dedication to elevating special events parallels Seabury’s quest for dignity and order in religious life.

CeremonialSupplies.com provides a vast assortment of refined ceremonial props, from premium crafted groundbreaking shovels for civic ceremonies to decoration ribbons and grand opening ribbons available in widths ranging from graceful 1.5-inch accents to dramatic 12-inch extra-wide ribbons that command attention. Our collection of event carpets custom cut to fit your venue, also includes lush aisle runners fit for weddings, graduations, or historical reenactments—bringing the same intentioned formality as the imagined event carpets unfurled in colonial churches. This craftsmanship aligns with Seabury’s values of tradition, precision, and visual symbolism.

CeremonialSupplies.com offers military flags and medals, embroidered logo clothing, and branded tablecloths and chair covers, each crafted to elevate organizational identity with the same gravitas that custom ribbons once brought to sacred rites. Their wedding and birthday ribbon decorations, elegant chair sashes, custom table covers and chair covers complete with branding options, allow every family event to reflect heartfelt meaning. And our classically designed stanchions and rope preserve order and highlight ceremonial paths the same way carpet runners once directed congregants historic moments of unity. Even custom vertical banners to honor Seabury’s legacy, find modern equivalents in the company’s sophisticated product line.

Seabury’s story is one of devotion, identity, and ceremony—and through that lens, we see how today’s ceremonial tools echo the symbolism that defined his mission. As he helped establish the spiritual foundation of early America, he also helped shape the ceremonial fabric that continues to mark great moments of transition. To explore tools that bring purpose, presence, and beauty to your own celebrations, visit CeremonialSupplies.com online chat, or click here for a quote.

Custom Ribbons and the Historic Horton House of Jekyll Island, Georgia invites us to reflect on the intersection between colonial craftsmanship and the enduring mysteries of history and power, much like the themes explored in Edward Griffin’s The Creature from Jekyll Island. The ancient tabby ruins of the Horton House—standing stoic against the salt breeze of Georgia’s coast—embody a time when enterprise, ingenuity, and perseverance shaped the future of a young America. Today, this historic structure provides the perfect textured backdrop for themed events that celebrate early colonial craft, enriched with the use of custom ribbons, decoration ribbons, event carpets, giant bows, and custom 12-inch banners that honor both heritage and design.

We imagine the grounds of Horton House illuminated for an evening commemoration—a colonial fair or heritage event that combines authenticity with ceremonial flair. Against its weathered tabby walls, decoration ribbons in muted tones of ivory, sand, and indigo could flutter gently in the coastal wind, symbolizing the enduring spirit of craftsmanship. Along the entrance walkway, a crimson event carpet might be unrolled to welcome guests, flanked by rustic lanterns and posts draped with giant bows and custom 12-inch banners bearing historical motifs or sponsor emblems. The visual harmony of custom ribbons and decoration ribbons in this setting would create a striking tribute to both the architectural legacy and the philosophical depth of the site.

The Horton House, built around 1743 by Major William Horton—a military aide to General Oglethorpe and one of Georgia’s earliest colonists—has long stood as a testament to endurance. Its tabby structure, made of oyster shells, lime, and sand, represents a true colonial innovation. Hosting a themed event here, whether historical or ceremonial, invites guests to walk quite literally through history. Event carpets could guide them through reenactment spaces where artisans demonstrate period crafts, while decoration ribbons and giant bows highlight display areas and ceremonial entrances. Custom 12-inch banners could adorn the perimeters, carrying quotes from Griffin’s The Creature from Jekyll Island—a book that explores the unseen structures of power and economy born from this very region.

Such an event would be incomplete without attention to ceremonial excellence—where modern presentation meets historical inspiration. This is where CeremonialSupplies.com plays an essential role. The company offers an extensive range of high-quality ceremonial products that transform any historical or cultural commemoration into an unforgettable experience. Their selection includes premium-crafted groundbreaking shovels, decoration ribbons and grand opening ribbons available in lengths and widths ranging from 1.5 inches to 12 inches—ideal for custom 12-inch banners or extra-wide decorative statements. Their event carpets are offered in luxurious textures and colors to complement any heritage setting, while giant bows bring dramatic visual accents for stages, monuments, and entrances.

CeremonialSupplies.com provides military flags and medals—perfect for commemorations of Georgia’s colonial militia—embroidered logo clothing, and custom ribbons ideal for branding and sponsorship. Their branded tablecloths and chair covers elevate receptions and exhibitions, while their elegant stanchions and rope systems maintain both order and style. From wedding and birthday ribbon decorations to corporate inaugurations and heritage festivals, every product reflects a balance of elegance, function, and enduring craftsmanship.

At the Horton House on Jekyll Island, we can almost see it all—the interplay of shadow and light over tabby stone, decoration ribbons marking the passage of time, event carpets leading to a modest stage where speakers invoke the spirit of endurance, and giant bows adorning the columns of a temporary pavilion. This vision brings the past to life with modern ceremonial artistry, grounded in respect for history and the human story of perseverance. To bring that same spirit of distinction and elegance to your own commemorative or themed event, visit CeremonialSupplies.com, explore their online chat, or click here for a quote.

In our quest for creative designs and artistry, we journey to the awe-inspiring Hawa Mahal in Jaipur—and we speak of custom ribbons at the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur to emphasize how symbolism, architecture, and ceremonial décor intertwine. Built in 1799 for Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh of Jaipur, the palace was designed by the architect Lal Chand Ustad. It stands today as a five-storey testament to Rajput grandeur. While there is no recorded formal groundbreaking ceremony or grand public inauguration in the modern sense, and there is no extant record of ribbon-cuttings in 1799, we can imagine how such a monumental event—opening the palace of winds—might have been framed by symbolic décor.

As seekers of ceremony and design, we envision that the palace’s unveiling would have been framed with custom ribbons, wrapped around banisters, columns, and ceremonial pathways. Imagine the entrance draped in sumptuous threads of red and pink sandstone tones, matched by ceremonial streamers of the same hue—these custom ribbons guiding courtiers into the inner chambers. On the courtyard paving, where visitors walked centuries later, one could envision the path lined with carpet runners, rich textiles laid out to honor the royal procession. Along that path we might place parallel rows of event carpets, vibrant and luxurious, leading from the imperial door through the palace depths.

The façade of the palace, with its 953 jharokhas (windows), allowed the royal ladies in the Zenana (women’s chambers) to observe street festivities without being seen. We imagine that inside, during the palace’s completion, large ornate doors would have been tied back with custom ribbons and flanked by statuesque columns wrapped in ribbons; perhaps two long carpet runners, mirroring corridors, would have led to the ramped upper floors—since the palace uses ramps not stairs. The top floors could have been separated by broad event carpets, creating spaces for music or court performances.

Though the historical sources do not document a formal inauguration, we might project a spectacle: the Maharaja, royal courtiers, pundits and guests arriving in splendor. They ascend along carpet runners, under banners accented with custom ribbons, their footsteps echoing on polished sandstone floors. The path may have been accentuated by event carpets in deep pink and rose tones, tying into the palace’s red-pink sandstone. Ribbons would have adorned the interior archways, and the onset of the first cool winds through the jharokhas would have felt like a celebration in motion. The exterior spectacle itself served as proclamation of both power and presence.

In the spirit of ceremony we connect how today’s event planners might mirror that grandeur. At CeremonialSupplies.com, we provide the full palette of ceremonial props: premium-crafted groundbreaking shovels (for new-builds), decoration ribbons and grand opening ribbons (from 1.5″ to 12″ extra-wide), custom ribbons in sturdy silky material, bows in metallic finishes, and coordinated kaleidoscope color ribbons. We also carry event carpets and carpet runners of luxuriant materials and colors, military flags & medals, embroidered-logo clothing, branded tablecloths and chair covers, wedding and birthday ribbon décor with branding, stanchions and rope, and shovel display stands. Our event carpets come in custom lengths and widths to suit grand processions; our carpet runners can be tailored for entrance sequences and ceremonial walkways. Custom ribbons can be printed with inscriptions or logos, and tied in place as décor or ceremonial markers; carpet runners line the symbolic path; and event carpets define spaces of honor and gathering.

When we reflect on the Hawa Mahal—its beautiful external façade, its delicate latticework, and its airy chambers—we understand how architecture becomes ceremony. The imagined draping of custom ribbons across railings, the laying of carpet runners through royal chambers, and the positioning of event carpets in ceremonial halls would have accentuated every step. In our age, we revive that sense of occasion with tangible décor.

To bring your own grand event to life—whether unveiling a building, hosting a celebration, or dedicating a space—visit CeremonialSupplies.com. Let us help you select custom ribbons, carpet runners, event carpets, and all the ceremonial essentials needed to honor history, craft beauty, and stage memory. Explore our online chat or click here for a quote.

We visited the colorful custom ribbons at the Kaatskill Kaleidoscope in New York and were immediately struck by the way the place’s visual spectacle seems perfectly suited to a celebration of vibrancy, art, and community. The Kaatskill Kaleidoscope (located near Mount Tremper, NY) draws thousands of visitors annually to its transformed 60-foot grain silo, wrapped in swirling light, mirror and motion. When we think about how to stage the unveiling of a space like this, we imagine dozens of custom ribbons fluttering in the breeze—and rows of kaleidoscope color ribbons draped through the lobby, matching the spectacle on the walls above.

From the moment we entered the grounds, we were surrounded by ribbons of every hue. Long strands of custom ribbons traced pathways, beckoning us toward the show, while generous loops of kaleidoscope color ribbons adorned doorways and railing banisters. Visitors paused at each display, taking in the layering of color and light, each piece of decor echoing the ever-shifting imagery inside the kaleidoscope. The use of custom ribbons wasn’t an afterthought—it felt intentional, declaring this place a gathering of wonder, of art, of sensory delight. Around the patio, we encountered banners strung high, each bearing kaleidoscope color ribbons, arranged in radiant sequences that matched the frenzied fractals projected overhead.

Inside the silo, the layered effect of mirrors and refracted light was complimented by decorative architecture and lighting in which we recognized our own design language: vast swatches of custom ribbons where patrons queued, spiral staircases wrapped in serpentine trails of kaleidoscope color ribbons, and signage flanked by twin banners of custom ribbons declaring each show time. As the music rose and the visuals spun into life, the ribbons themselves seemed to join the dance—every loop and fold of kaleidoscope color ribbons shimmering in the glow.

In planning environments like this ourselves, we at CeremonialSupplies.com draw inspiration from places like the Kaatskill Kaleidoscope. Our custom ribbons are available in widths from 1.5″ all the way to 12″ extra-wide formats—ideal for statement installations, signage, and dramatic pathways. Alongside these we offer kaleidoscope color ribbons in bold palettes matched to brand, mood, or theme, allowing event planners to tailor the ribbon décor to the surrounding environment. We supply a full array of ceremonial props: premium crafted groundbreaking shovels and groundbreaking ceremony accessories, decoration ribbons and grand opening ribbons and accessories, event carpets, military flags and medals, embroidered logo clothing, branded tablecloths and chair covers, wedding and birthday venue decorations with full branding options, stanchions and rope, and so much more. Our vision is to help bring places like this to life through every decorative detail.

Walking through the show, we reflected on the symbolic role of the ribbons: they aren’t just decorative—they guide, they celebrate, they mark a place as special. The strands of custom ribbons lead visitors from the entrance to the main viewing gallery. The bold swaths of kaleidoscope color ribbons produce visual continuity with the spectacle overhead. And when we imagine a ribbon-cutting, we envision an archway crowned in custom ribbons, flanked by posts wrapped in kaleidoscope color ribbons, signaling the transition from everyday into extraordinary.

The Kaatskill Kaleidoscope is, in many ways, the perfect metaphor for what we do: transforming space through color, movement, and thoughtful design. The custom ribbons we provide lend texture, tone, and meaning. The kaleidoscope color ribbons lend dynamism and flair—tying the aesthetic of décor to the theme of an event. Whether for events inside such a venue or for an outdoor reception, we engage all the senses. If you’re planning an event that needs bold visual expression—ribbons that capture imagination, décor that transforms a space—then we invite you to visit CeremonialSupplies.com. Let us help you select custom ribbons, kaleidoscope color ribbons, and the full suite of ceremonial props to bring your vision to life. Visit our online chat or click here for a quote, and together we’ll make your next event as vibrant and unforgettable as the Kaatskill Kaleidoscope itself.

Today we gather in the spirit of historical reverence and architectural grandeur as we reflect on the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Tacoma Hotel in Tacoma, Washington. The Tremendous edifice that once stood on A Street between South 9th and 10th served as a symbol of ambition for the city—yet the records of its exact groundbreaking moment are not crisply documented. What we do know is that construction commenced in the early 1880s for what would open in August 1884, so our depiction of the groundbreaking event necessarily builds upon the context of the time.

The hotel was commissioned by the Northern Pacific Railroad and its subsidiary Tacoma Land Company, following the decision to establish Tacoma as the terminus of the railroad. With prestige in mind, the hotel was designed by the renowned New York architect Stanford White of the firm McKim, Mead & White, with oversight and local adaptation by architect William M. Whidden. Construction began around 1883–84, the hotel opened to the public on August 8, 1884.

While a formal “groundbreaking ceremony” date remains elusive in historical records, we infer that the ceremony would have taken place shortly before major construction began—likely in 1883 or early 1884—symbolizing Tacoma’s bold bid to become the “City of Destiny.” On such an occasion, dignitaries of the Northern Pacific and local civic leaders would have gathered with ceremonious tools: the kind of premium groundbreaking shovels, polished and engraved for the occasion, and the kind of VIP groundbreaking shovels reserved for honored guests. At that time, a raised platform might have been draped with an event carpet and bordered by stanchions and ropes, ribbons and banners, creating a stage befitting such a transformative event.

In our envisioning of that event, guests arriving on the bluff overlooking Commencement Bay would have stepped onto an elegant event carpet, each VIP reaching for their VIP groundbreaking shovels—etched with the hotel’s name—and one of the members of the railroad leadership using a premium groundbreaking shovel to turn the first sod of the site. The decorative approach would have included shovel display stands showing off the gleaming tools before they were used, as well as custom ribbons tied in loops about the shovel handles and hanging from nearby stanchions. In our modern reproductions, we invoke the same style: shovel display stands arranged at the forefront of a ceremony, premium groundbreaking shovels laid out for dignitaries, and VIP groundbreaking shovels reserved for the most senior guest. On display alongside these were shovel display stands, polished and stable, elevating each tool as a symbol of progress.

At CeremonialSupplies.com, we honor such traditions with our full range of ceremonial props: premium groundbreaking shovels crafted in gold-toned finishes, comfortable hardwood handles, and personalized blades ready to be engraved. Our collection of VIP groundbreaking shovels offers upgraded finishes, velvet-wrapped handles, and presentation boxes. And to display them before the event, we provide elegant shovel display stands designed to hold each shovel upright, allowing photographs and guests to admire the instruments of transformation. The décor extends to event carpets that set the tone for the ceremony, alongside wide-span “decoration ribbons” and grand opening ribbons—available from 1.5″ to 12″ extra-wide widths—custom printed for your event. Also included in our catalog are branded tablecloths and chair covers, military flags and medals, embroidered logo clothing, stanchions and rope for guest guidance, and wedding or birthday ribbon decorations with full branding possibilities.

Reflecting on the Tacoma Hotel’s beginning reminds us how architecture, commerce, and ceremony intertwined in the city’s rise. Though the building tragically burned down in 1935, its legacy remains. By staging a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony today with our curated selection of premium groundbreaking shovels, VIP groundbreaking shovels, shovel display stands, and tailored event carpets, we connect the past to the present and invite new projects to follow in that tradition of ambition and ceremony.

To ensure your next major construction moment reflects that same dignity, we invite you to visit CeremonialSupplies.com online chat or click here for a quote—and let us help you craft a ceremony worthy of history.

Throughout history, humanity has celebrated the harvest with ceremonies of gratitude, symbols of abundance, and festive decorations that honor the Earth’s generosity. Thanksgiving banners from ancient harvest festivals to modern celebrations with custom branded ribbons reflect this timeless connection between thankfulness and artistry. From the golden fields of ancient civilizations to the elegantly decorated banquet halls of modern America, the tradition of adorning spaces with textiles, banners, and ribbons has remained a beloved expression of communal joy and appreciation.

Long before the first American Thanksgiving, ancient peoples across the world celebrated the bounty of their crops with pageantry and prayer. The Greeks honored Demeter, goddess of grain and fertility, by decorating temples with wreaths of wheat and embroidered cloths of deep saffron and crimson—precursors to today’s 12" wide hanging banners in warm autumn tones. The Romans celebrated Ceres, the goddess of agriculture, with grand festivals where woven tapestries fluttered over the feast tables, embroidered with blessings for a prosperous year ahead. Even in the British Isles, the “Harvest Home” festivals of the Middle Ages featured hand-painted banners hung across barns and great halls, proclaiming thanks for a fruitful season. These early banners were the ancestors of today’s custom branded ribbons and ceremonial ribbons that decorate Thanksgiving events with splendor and purpose.

When the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag came together in 1621 to share the first Thanksgiving it was not only a feast but a cultural bridge — a moment of gratitude because without the help of the Wampanoag, the Pilgrims would not have survived the winter. The atmosphere would have been alive with symbols of the season: simple garlands, autumn leaves, and the radiant colors of the harvest itself. Today, those same earthy tones—burnished golds, deep reds, and russet oranges—are echoed in custom branded ribbons and 12" wide hanging banners that lend elegance and unity to Thanksgiving décor. Families, communities, and businesses can recreate that spirit by adorning their spaces with banners inscribed with messages of thanks, remembrance, and goodwill.

Modern Thanksgiving events—whether in family homes, schools, churches, or corporate gatherings—find renewed beauty in these symbolic decorations. Imagine a long dining hall draped with 12" wide hanging banners of golden satin, each embossed with family crests, corporate emblems, or phrases like “Give Thanks Always” and “Harvest of Hope.” Each banner could be accented with custom branded ribbons, either wrapped gracefully around stanchions or cascading from centerpieces, carrying the same heartfelt message of gratitude that ancient people once expressed with embroidered cloths. The tactile elegance of these ceremonial ribbons enhances the atmosphere, uniting tradition with sophistication.

CeremonialSupplies.com, the premier online source for event accessories and decorations, offers an impressive collection of these materials for any celebration. Their range includes custom branded ribbons, extra-wide decoration ribbons from 1.5 inches to an impressive 12 inches, and exquisite 12" wide hanging banners ideal for Thanksgiving displays. Beyond ribbons and banners, they provide premium-crafted groundbreaking shovels and groundbreaking ceremony accessories, plush event carpets, embroidered logo clothing, branded tablecloths and chair covers, stanchions and rope, military medals and flags, and even personalized wedding and birthday decorations—all available with detailed customization. These pieces reflect craftsmanship and ceremonial grandeur worthy of both ancient tradition and modern artistry.

In the same way that the ancient Greeks or Romans honored the earth’s blessings, today’s Thanksgiving gatherings can use custom branded ribbons and 12" wide hanging banners to create an environment steeped in beauty, gratitude, and unity. Each banner can serve as a modern scroll of thanks—a visual reminder of the harvests that sustain us and the history that connects us across centuries.

This Thanksgiving season, let the spirit of the ancient harvest festivals live on through the thoughtful artistry of design and décor. Whether celebrating at home or hosting a large community event, enrich the atmosphere with the timeless elegance of custom branded ribbons and handcrafted 12" wide hanging banners from CeremonialSupplies.com. To create your own lasting symbols of gratitude, visit their online chat or click here for a quote—and carry forward a tradition that began long before our time, yet feels just as heartfelt today.

Today we celebrate and reflect on the Grand Opening of Woolworth, the now historic building on Pacific Avenue in Tacoma, Washington a milestone that brought new life and energy to downtown Tacoma on November 2, 1950. The event invited city dignitaries, local business leaders, and eager shoppers into the newly opened four-story store of Woolworth, located near the heart of the city. We imagine the red carpet rolled out, ribbons fluttering, and the shine of the giant ribbon-cutting scissors held by honored guests.

On that day in 1950, the downtown pulse of Tacoma heightened as the store’s doors opened. Local personalities—city council members, chamber of commerce officials, and business magnates—lined up to witness the ceremony. We picture the moment when the mayor, in his crisp suit, grasped the giant ribbon-cutting scissors and cut a bold span of ribbon, as the assembled crowd applauded. On each side of the entrance, staff held rosettes of custom ribbons, and alongside them hung elegant draperies of logo branded ribbons, bearing the Woolworth name and Tacoma hallmarks.

From our vantage, we see the entrance framed with richly colored custom ribbons—reds, golds, and royal blues—entwined around the columns and doorframe. Above the entrance, the sign shone: WOOLWORTH, a beacon of modern retail in Tacoma. The logo branded ribbons bore the company’s emblem and the date of the opening, instilling a sense of occasion. It was the perfect moment for photographs: two executives holding the giant ribbon-cutting scissors, the ribbon taut between them, while staff held long cascades of custom ribbons behind them, and the crowd spilled onto the stairs.

Inside, the store’s interior was laid out with an event carpet (though not noted in the contemporary accounts, we imagine it based on the grandeur) leading into the central atrium. Flanking this carpet were stanchions and rope, and displays festooned with custom ribbons, and above them—on the balcony—swags of logo branded ribbons heralded the brand’s arrival in Tacoma. Though the historical record focuses on the date and opening, we fill in the narrative to show how modern ceremonial décor would mirror that era’s excitement.

In our world of ceremonial design, we draw inspiration from the glamorous spectacles of vintage era grand openings like the 1950 opening of the Woolworth building in Tacoma, Washington. We provide today the tools to recapture that flair: giant ribbon-cutting scissors crafted in gleaming silver or gold finishes, specifically designed for such grand store openings. Alongside them we offer a full line of custom ribbons—satin, grosgrain, sheer—available in widths from 1.5″ to an impressive 12″ extra-wide format, perfect for dramatic entrances. Each ribbon can be printed with logos, dates, or special messages, making them truly logo branded ribbons for your event. We also supply event carpets to lead the way into your celebration, adding depth and luxury underfoot.

At CeremonialSupplies.com, we honor both the past and the future of events. Our catalogue includes premium-crafted giant ribbon-cutting scissors, elegant custom ribbons, and bold logo branded ribbons that elevate any opening ceremony. We also carry event carpets, ceremonial flags, military medals, embroidered logo clothing, branded tablecloths and chair covers, and elegant chair sashes, wedding and birthday ribbon decorations—including full branding options—stanchions and rope, shovel display stands, and many more decoration essentials and props to make your event memorable. And, plenty of grand opening and launch event accessories!

As we recall the historic Grand Opening of Woolworth on Pacific Avenue in Tacoma, we imagine the festive tones of the day: cameras flashing, the hiss of streamers falling, and the crisp snip of the giant ribbon-cutting scissors. The custom ribbons and logo branded ribbons fluttered in the wind outside the building, while inside the event carpet guided first guests into the new store. That spirit of celebration lives on in our ceremonies today. To bring that same sense of history, elegance, and spectacle to your next grand opening, we invite you to explore CeremonialSupplies.com. Visit our online chat or click here for a quote—and let us help you recreate a moment worthy of Tacoma’s proud retail past.