The much-anticipated grand re-opening of The Fish Market restaurant and its new Anchor Bar in Old Town took place Wednesday, as city dignitaries and local residents alike gathered to celebrate the newest chapter in the storied establishments history.

I used to come here when I was in high school after playing basketball down the street, said Mayor Bill Euille just moments before cutting the ceremonial ribbon. Many of us remember a time when there was nothing to come to around here. But the Fish Market and Landinis changed all that. So today we are able to celebrate all that Alexandria has become because of people like [late Fish Market founder] Ray Giovanni and Franco Landini.

The highlight of the grand opening included an oyster-eating contest, the auctioning off of new and old Fish Market memorabilia and a performance by Nashville Superstars David Vincent Williams, James Dean Hicks and Marc Beeson.

Were very proud of what we were able to accomplish here, said co-owner Noe Landini. We worked non-stop every single day for the last year to get this accomplished.

The impressive unveiling was a testament to the months of planning that went into the transformation of the historic restaurant.

Even before we began construction, we worked a solid six months just on the design, Landini said. We worked very hard to get it right and make it exciting.

Erika Thomas, Miss Alexandria 2009, was on hand to help celebrate the evening. She was joined by Alexandrias outstanding teen, Shelby McIntosh and Alexandrias outstanding pre-teen Mei Ling Reynolds, who all graciously posed for pictures with the many kids and kids at heart – eyeing their tiaras.

A percentage of the proceeds from the grand opening event benefitted the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

For more information about the Fish Market, located at 105 King Street, visit www.fishmarketoldtown.com.