There was no end in sight to the line of vehicles wrapping its way through Nisqually as hundreds made their way to Medicine Creek Enterprise Corporation’s (MCEC) Grand Opening celebration for its newest Nisqually Markets location on Friday, Feb. 3.  
     The location, called Nisqually Markets at Camas Plaza, offered a 99-cent-per-gallon gasoline promotion to the public for the duration of the event.
     Nisqually Markets is an enterprise of the Nisqually Indian Tribe and is managed by MCEC. True to MCEC’s stalwart support of the Tribe, Nisqually Tribal Members were given early access to the low-cost fuel at 9 a.m., before the general public arrived at 10 a.m.
     Nisqually Markets at Camas Plaza’s opening was accompanied by the opening of a new sit-down coffee shop called Camas Coffee House. The overall site is called Camas Plaza, which is located at 4031 Camas Plaza SE, just off the roundabout where Washington state Route 510 and Yelm Highway meet, between Lacey and Yelm.
     “The Grand Opening at Camas Plaza was truly a success,” said MCEC Retail General Manager Charie Coulliette. “This could not have happened without Tribal Council, the MCEC Board, NPD, and TCCC. To all the team members who helped facilitate the store operations, thank you.”
     To kick off the event, the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce came out and led officials from MCEC and the Tribe through a ceremonial ribbon cutting, where leaders shared words of thanks for all those that worked hard to make Camas Plaza a reality.
     “I’m grateful for all of those who attended our Grand Opening,” said MCEC Chief Executive Officer Bob, reflecting on the event. “The Thurston County Chamber of Commerce has become a great supporter and their presence brings a whole new audience to our stores.”
     While folks filled up their tanks, local radio station KAYO 96.9 ran a remote live broadcast of the event. 
     “Thanks also to the radio station for helping advertise our opening and discount fuel sales,” Iyall said.
     Participants entered to win several raffles and prizes sponsored by the Nisqually Red Wind Casino throughout the day, receiving free swag giveaways just for participating. The celebration offered free food and coffee, as well as several booths from local vendors that only added to the carnival-like atmosphere that was enjoyed by many.
     “It’s always a pleasure to have vendors like Harbor Wholesale and Swire Beverages on site with games and prizes,” Iyall said. “A big thank you to Christiansen Fuel for providing enough fuel for our big discount day. And of course, I’d like to thank the staff for a well-organized event. We always enjoy having our enterprises support each other so it was very nice to have the Red Wind Casino represented and Nisqually Construction Services, who built the new facility for us.”
     The day was not without its challenges, as attendees were buffeted by 50 mph winds, but in the end, appreciation gusted stronger than any wind ever could.
     “It was an honor to be a part of such a happy day for the Nisqually Tribe,” Coulliette said. “Masi (thank you), to everyone who had a hand in helping make it successful.”