Thomaston — A ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration for McDonald’s and the Lil’ Mart convenience store, gas station and car wash took place at 160 New County Road on June 23.

McDonald’s and Lil’ Mart presented checks to the Thomaston Recreation Department and the school district. Harry Grant performed the National Anthem, and the American Legion color guard presented the United States flag.

Speakers included: Val Blastow, Thomaston town manager; state Sen. Chris Rector; state Rep. Chuck Kruger; Kerri Prescott, director of communications and marketing for Priority Group (property developer); Jim Francoeur, retail manager for Nouria Energy (owner of Lil’ Mart); and Ron Lydick, owner/operator of the Thomaston and Rockland McDonald’s restaurants.

“We are excited about our partnership with Nouria Energy and McDonald’s,” said Jim Howard, CEO/president of Priority Group, in a news release. “The creation of jobs in this region, especially with the state of our current economy, is something we can all celebrate with the opening of this Thomaston complex. Maine is a great place to do business, and we are honored to be working together with outstanding individuals that have a shared commitment to our state.”

The grand opening celebration featured grab bags, giveaways, a radio remote broadcast, and entertainment by the McDonald’s UpTeam who performed on jumping stilts and offered rides in the Maine McDonald’s eco cab bicycle. There were free car washes, product sampling, special pricing and grand opening specials that will continue over the next few weeks. Through 5 p.m. Friday, June 29, customers at McDonald’s in Rockland and Thomaston can enter to win a $500 Lowe’s gift card; entrants must be 18 years or older to win.

Thomaston Grammar School teacher Ann Palvakas accepts a check for $500 on behalf of the school district from McDonald’s owner/operator Ron Lydick and Nouria Energy Corporation Marketing Manager Darrell Clark.