Chris Isaak headlines opening party for Arboretum

The owners of the Arboretum of South Barrington are spending more than $1 million on a party to celebrate the mall's opening this weekend.

Fireworks, outdoor concerts and children's events are planned for the outdoor, upscale shopping center. Platinum record artist Chris Isaak is the featured attraction. The free concert takes place at 7 p.m. Saturday on the plaza stage at the center near routes 59 and 72. Northbrook-based Jaffe Cos. owns and developed the 86-acre center with a price tag of $200 million.

Despite the economic climate, 80 percent of the stores at the center have been leased, according to spokeswoman Jonelle Kearney. She added that 26 retailers will be open for today's grand opening.

Activities planned for the weekend include:

Friday, Sept. 26

•10 to 11 a.m. - grand opening ceremony

•10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - sand castle artisan

•12:30 to 2 p.m. - aerialists and pole performers

•1 and 2:15 p.m. - local variety singers

•7 p.m. - Blooze Brothers in concert

Saturday, Sept. 27

•10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - face painters

•10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - balloon twisters, sand castle artisan, Puppet People

•10:30 to 12:30 p.m. - meet and greet characters from "Madagascar Escape 2 Africa"

•1 to 5 p.m. - caricature artists

•1:30 to 2:30 p.m. - Radio Disney Road Crew

•2:30 to 4:30 p.m. - meet and greet stars from Disney's "Camp Rock"

•7 p.m. - Chris Isaak in concert

Sunday, Sept. 28

•10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - face painters

•10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - balloon twisters, sand castle artisan, characters from "Madagascar Escape 2 Africa" roam the mall

•1 to 2 p.m. - storytime with Mother Nature

•1 to 5 p.m. - caricature artist

•2:30 to 7:45 - live music concerts

•7:45-8 p.m. - fireworks finale

Retailers that will be open during the opening event include Ann Taylor Loft, American Eagle Outfitters, Coldwater Creek, Soft Surroundings, Victoria's Secret, Arhaus Furniture, Pinstripes Bowling Bocce & Bistro, Noodles & Co., L.L. Bean, Yankee Candle, Bath & Body Works and others.

New stores: Several new stores are set to open at Oakbrook Center this fall.

Louis Vuitton and Oysy Sushi Bar are set to open Nov. 1. Hollister is coming Nov. 15 and Barnes & Noble is coming toward the end of November.

Williams Sonoma is launching one of its largest concept stores at the end of October. The retailer was previously at the mall in a smaller location. Lane Bryant is opening its new store Nov. 1.

• Kim Mikus' columns run Tuesday through Friday. She welcomes comments at (847) 427-4567.

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