Olivette celebrates Lunar New Year and announces grand openings for Aldi and Great Heart Brewery

In the heart of Olivette, excitement buzzed through the air as the City Council gathered for its meeting on January 28, 2025. The agenda was packed with community events and new business openings that promise to enrich the local landscape.

One of the highlights was the upcoming Lunar New Year celebration at 5 Oaks, set for February 8. This year, the festivities will honor the Year of the Snake, featuring food, crafts, calligraphy demonstrations, and a live performance by the Saint Louis Modern Chinese School. Residents are encouraged to join in the celebration, marking a vibrant cultural moment for the community.

Adding to the local excitement, two grand openings are on the horizon. Aldi will open its doors on February 6 at 9175 Olive Crossing, bringing fresh grocery options to residents. Just a week later, Great Heart Brewery will celebrate its grand opening on February 14, coinciding with Valentine’s Day, promising a festive atmosphere for couples and friends alike.

The meeting also announced the return of "Coffee with the Mayor" on February 12, where residents can meet the newly elected County Councilwoman Gretchen Bangert. This informal gathering at 5 Oaks will provide an opportunity for community members to engage directly with their local leaders over coffee and sweet treats.

In a bid to recognize local businesses, the second annual Olivette Business Awards are now open for nominations. Residents can nominate their favorite businesses and restaurants, with the winners to be announced at the May CreativeCorps Chamber Luncheon. This initiative aims to celebrate the contributions of local enterprises to the community's vibrancy.

For those interested in law enforcement, the Citizens Police Academy will begin on March 5, offering residents a behind-the-scenes look at police work. This collaborative program with neighboring police departments promises to deepen community understanding of law enforcement activities.

As the meeting wrapped up, the City Council also shared updates from the fire department, including community tours and training exercises, and from Parks and Recreation, highlighting the installation of a new memorial bench at Stacy Park and the reopening of restrooms there.

With a calendar full of events and initiatives, Olivette is poised for a lively February, inviting residents to participate in the growth and celebration of their community.