Video: Crowds, Fanfare as Ward 8 Giant Opens

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"THIS DAY HAS BEEN the beginning of a new day in a new Ward 8." That's how former Mayor Marion Barry, who represents the ward in the D.C. Council, characterized this morning's opening of a new Giant Food store in Congress Heights — the chain's largest outpost in the city.

Barry joined Mayor Adrian Fenty and D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton to cut the ceremonial ribbon opening the massive store that spans the length of a football field at Alabama Avenue near Stanton Road. Videographer Akira Hakuta from washingtonpost.com was there to catch the officials and customers in action; his video's embedded above.

"I think it's wonderful," shopper Willie Wells, 74, told Hakuta. "I had to go to Marlow Heights to get to a Giant, and Giant's one of my favorite stores. This is convenient. Right up the street. I can ride the bus down here if I need to."

» EARLIER: "Long-Awaited Ward 8 Giant Opens This Week" [Free Ride/Express]