Great Northern Mall Launches 50th Anniversary Celebration

Per Dan Crandall

North Olmsted, Ohio – June 25, 2026 – Great Northern Mall is proud to announce the kickoff of its 50th Anniversary Celebration, beginning with the City of North Olmsted’s Fireworks Celebration on Saturday, July 11.

The fireworks event marks the beginning of a series of special activities as Great Northern commemorates 50 years as the hub of shopping, entertainment, and community life in North Olmsted.

Officially opened on November 3, 1976, Great Northern Mall has welcomed generations of families, shoppers, employees, and businesses over the past five decades. While retail has evolved dramatically since the mall first opened its doors, Great Northern has remained a gathering place where memories are made, and community connections thrive.

“The 50th anniversary is not only a celebration of Great Northern Mall’s history, but also of the people and community that have made it such an important part of North Olmsted for generations,” said Mike Walsh, general manager of Great Northern Mall. “We’re excited to recognize the upcoming milestone and appreciate the partnership with the City of North Olmsted and their Fireworks Celebration.”

The July 11 Fireworks Celebration will serve as the first major event in the anniversary calendar, with additional activities, historical exhibits, family-friendly events, retailer promotions, community partnerships, and commemorative programs to be announced in the coming months.

The anniversary celebration will honor the mall’s rich history while looking ahead to its future as a destination for shopping, dining, entertainment, and community engagement.

Originally developed as part of the Great Northern Shopping Center, one of the region’s pioneering retail destinations, the enclosed Great Northern Mall opened in 1976 and quickly became a landmark for residents across Cleveland’s western suburbs. Today, the property continues to serve as an important economic and community asset for North Olmsted and the surrounding region.

Residents are encouraged to join the City of North Olmsted’s Fireworks Celebration on July 11 and follow Great Northern Mall’s social media channels and website for upcoming anniversary announcements and event details.

Cheers to 50 years!  For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/GreatNorthernMallOH.

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PHOTOS – Boom 2025 fireworks, the old food court and the old May Company

About Great Northern Mall

Great Northern Mall, a 1.2-million-square-foot shopping center, offers the greater Cleveland area a wonderful mix of family-friendly indoor shopping, dining, and entertainment. Located just 5 minutes from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Great Northern Mall is anchored by Dillard’s, Macy’s, JCPenney and Dick’s Sporting Goods. The center features Phoenix Theatres with 10 screens of Dolby Atmos sound, Kids Empire, Build the Pho, Texas Roadhouse and a mix of 100 national and local brands. For more information about Great Northern Mall, visit GreatNorthernOhio.com.

Facebook: @GreatnorthernmallOH

Instagram: @greatnorthernmallOH