Family-owned Bartell Drugs opens its “next generation” store in North Bend this Friday, Nov. 15, at Borgen Plaza.

A grand opening with a big line-up of festivities follows, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23.

The Seattle-based chain’s 62nd store is located at 248 Bendigo Boulevard South, at the northeast corner of Bendigo Boulevard and Park Avenue. Store hours will be 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday.

Grand opening festivities scheduled for November 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. include vendors with free samples or special offers; free drawings for an Xbox 360, dinner for two at the Space Needle and tickets to the North Bend Theatre; free hot dogs served up by volunteers from North Bend-based Encompass; KJR-FM on-the-air personalities broadcasting live from noon-2 p.m.; and from 9 a.m. to noon, get free or discounted health screening services for blood pressure, cholesterol, bone density and diabetes in the pharmacy area.

The store will also be accepting new toy donations for Bartell Drugs’ 10th annual “Toy ‘n Joy” drive with the Salvation Army, providing holiday gifts for children in need.

A ceremonial ribbon-cutting is scheduled for November 20 at 10 a.m. as members of the Bartell family, employees, vendors and local dignitaries celebrate the store’s opening.

“We’re looking forward to serving residents in the area, and have been exploring expansion into the Upper Snoqualmie Valley for many years.” said Chairman and CEO George D. Bartell. “This is a site that can conveniently serve communities from Fall City to Snoqualmie Pass.”