Sunshine Ace Hardware will host a family-friendly Grand Opening Celebration from Dec. 6-8 to mark the debut of Ave Maria’s first hardware store.

The three-day event features representatives from Traeger, Big Green Egg and Weber who will serve as grill masters for daily BBQ grilling parties, offering attendees hot-off-the-grill samples from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. There will be multiple giveaways for adults and children, grilling and product demos, exclusive discounts and opportunities to meet the store team. Giveaway items include the grand prize of a YETI Roadie Wheeled Cooler, a Milwaukee PACKOUT Toolbox, a Milwaukee M18 Fuel String Trimmer Kit and more.

“We opened the Ave Maria store back in October, but wanted to host a big event and invite the whole community,” said Michael Wynn, president of Sunshine Ace Hardware. “Whether you’re a DIYer or a contractor, those who live or work in Ave Maria will no longer have to travel at least 20 minutes to pick up essentials for their next project.”

Located at 5360 Ave Maria Blvd. in the Ave Maria Park of Commerce, the new store features comprehensive paint and grilling departments, as well as a wide selection of power and hand tools, hardware, lawn and garden supplies, plumbing fixtures, propane and supplies for DIYers. Residential customers in Ave Maria now can access Ace Handyman Services of Southwest Florida, which offers licensed and bonded, multi-skilled craftsmen who can complete in-home residential projects like bathroom and kitchen repairs, as well as refreshes for bedrooms, home offices, dining rooms and living rooms.

Ave Maria Grand Opening Celebration

Friday, Dec. 6

• Hours of operation: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• BBQ Grilling Party: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Featured Grill Master: Traeger

Saturday, Dec. 7

• Hours of operation: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• BBQ Grilling Party: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Featured Grill Master: Big Green Egg

Sunday, Dec. 8

• Hours of operation: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• BBQ Grilling Party: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Featured Grill Master: Weber