Thursday morning, an unprecedented crowd of people attended the Perry Chamber of Commerce’s ribbon cutting at Ben’s Five and Dime to celebrate new owner Andrea Tunink.

Tunink took over the historic Perry variety store at the beginning of the year, purchasing it from previous owners Jay and Jan Pattee who still live above it and own the Panora location. Yesterday’s event was kicked off by Chamber Director Lynsi Pasutti, who welcomed everyone and introduced Tunink for those who hadn’t met her yet. Tunink then did the honors of cutting the ribbon with the giant scissors. She then talked about how things have been going at the store since she took over, as well as what she’s currently working on improving.

Tunink got emotional talking about all the support she’s received from the community as a whole since taking over the store, with many of them in attendance for the event. “There’s a lot of friends here, a lot of community members, (and) business owners, and a big support from my Farm Credit family, where I was at previously. So I just want to say, ‘Thanks,’ to everybody for coming out. It’s overwhelming, but it’s been phenomenal! I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

The event was already the third Perry Chamber ribbon cutting of 2019, following recent events at Swan Antics and Osmundson Manufacturing.