A series of special family-friendly activities are on tap for the Wednesday, July 8, grand opening of Earth Fare, a grocery store at Emory Point specializing in organic and natural foods.

The day-long celebration will feature food samples and product demonstrations, special promotions and raffles, and live music, according to company spokesperson Beth George.

In addition, the first 100 shoppers in line when the doors open at 7 a.m. will receive an Earth Fare gift card valued at up to $500.

Located on Clifton Road across from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the 24,000-square-foot street-level store marks the first commercial anchor for the second phase of construction at Emory Point, a mixed-use development created in partnership between Emory University, Cousins Properties and Gables Residential.

Earth Fare is noted for carrying products that prohibit artificial sweeteners, colors, preservatives and flavors; high-fructose corn syrup; trans-fats; bleached or bromated flour in fresh baked goods; and antibiotics and synthetic growth hormones in meat and dairy products.

The Emory Point store will be the first of the Asheville, North Carolina-based grocery chain’s locations to feature a new urban concept design, with a layout that places a greater emphasis on fresh prepared food items, including sandwiches and wraps, juices, smoothies and coffees, plus made in-house sushi, salads, and other prepared entrees and sides.

The store also features a 50-seat, indoor/outdoor cafe with free Wi-Fi, to accommodate a coffee break or study session.