Dubuque’s Kennedy Mall Celebrates 50 Years This Weekend!

Over the last four weeks, Kennedy Mall has been celebrating a milestone anniversary.

They've been a community destination that's been serving the Tristates for the last 50 years!

I stopped by a few weeks ago and their Marketing Director, Khi Shireman, was showing me some of the scrapbooks and photo albums they've been keeping since they first opened their doors in 1970.

Wait... 1970? Doesn't that mean 51 years?

Khi explained that they had hoped to celebrate last year but the pandemic made that tough to do.

Over the last month, they've been showcasing classic photos, running gift card promotions, and hosting weekly trivia contests. (This week's question was what year did JCPenny move into the Kennedy Mall... do you know? It was 1983!)

As I poured through the photo albums I was reminded of spending many Saturdays as a young adult at the mall. Hitting Aladdin's Castle to play video games, grabbing a pretzel at Hot Sam's, and picking up a cassette at Musicland or Sam Goody before mom or dad would scoop me up in front of Bishops.

Those were the days.

I think most of us probably have great memories. Somebody told me they always think of the fountain at Center Court. Remember visiting Santa back then? Khi showed me another old photo when the mall had a circular bank of payphones, too.

Yeah, Kennedy Mall has changed a lot, but Khi said they have a lot of exciting things coming soon. (She told me she'd give me some details to share with you again next week.)

Saturday (10/2), Kennedy Mall will be hosting a grand celebration in Center Court from noon to 5pm. It's free for all to attend and you'll have a chance to win. All you have to do is stop by Customer Service to register to win. There's no purchase necessary and they'll be drawing a winner every 30 minutes. (You must be present to win.)

Prizes include Golden Tickets from Phoenix Theaters, which will score you free movies for a year! They'll also have beautiful prizes from Riddle's Jewelry valued at over $100! You could even walk away with Kennedy Mall 50th anniversary swag!

There will be bounce houses from On-the-Fly Inflatables, face painting by Captured on Canvas, Marvel’s Spider Man and Black Panther will make appearances, too! Check out magic and balloon animals by Magic Bob, and food from the Kennedy Mall dining spots including Dubuque Mining Co., Auntie Anne’s, and Texas Roadhouse!

Of course, there will also be popcorn from Phoenix Theaters, too!

Stop by and share some of your favorite memories. You can learn more on their WEBSITE or FACEBOOK PAGE.

Congratulations Kennedy Mall! Here's to the next 50 years!