The newest member of the Dexter business community celebrated its Grand Opening Thursday morning with a ribbon cutting celebration.

The Loft at #8 Stoddard Street in Historic Downtown Dexter marked its opening with a traditional Dexter Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting celebration. With Mayor Joe Weber and young Tres and Gracen Hampton handling the over-sized scissors, the ribbon was cut marking the arrival of the new Downtown Dexter business.

The Loft is owned by Brian Crawford and features a wide variety of items for the home - including candles and home scents, furniture, antiques, rugs and floor coverings, accent items and market finds. There is an entire room devoted to Christmas items for the home, as well as a line of home style books, antiques from England, and accents for the home.

In addition, Crawford has included a line of vintage and estate jewelry, as well as unique bedding and framed art.

"I love Dexter, and invite people to come join us at The Loft," Crawford said. "I hope this will be a welcoming place - where you can find just the special something for your home or a gift, you can meet friends, and enjoy a conversation with friends."

Crawford and staff held the drawing late Thursday afternoon for a number of Grand Opening Day door prizes. Winning prizes were:

• Jason Banken - Lavender scent set
• Pauline Nelson - Moon Flower set
• Tina Fields - vintage ring
• Marcelene Cravens - pendent
• Sam Sturgess - Smokey Topaz pendent
• Diana Orr - $50 gift card
• Elvena Martin - $100 gift card
• Gloria Hampton - Christmas basket
• Darryl Orr - Home wall mirror
  

Photo Above: The Loft in Historic Downtown Dxter celebrated its Grand Opening Thursday morning with a ribbon-cutting celebrations hosted by the Dexter Chamber of Commerce. On hand were (fron row, from left) Bill Hampton of Three Rivers College, Dexter Mayor Joe Weber, Tres and Gracen Hampton, store owner Brian Crawford, Chamber President Kenny Pope and Chamber Director Janet Coleman; (second row, from left) Kay Stevenson, James Hampton, Sue Sturgess, Afton Boone, Jeri Morgan-Pierce, Chamber Director Mindy Bell, Betsy Taylor; (third row, from left) Dexter City Administrator Mark Stidham, Andrew Boone, Chamber Vice President Jackie McKuin, Alderman Kirby Taylor,  Alderman Terry Battles, and Chamber Director Scott Nelson. (ShowMe Times photo by Annabeth Miller)