Grand opening
Dixie Square, developed by Robert Meyer Corp., Meyer C. Weiner and Robert E. Fryling, assisted by architects Hornbach, Steenwyk and Thrall, opened in 1966 on the site of the former Dixie Hi 9-hole golf course. Construction began in late 1964, and Montgomery Ward was the first of the mall's stores to open, on October 21, 1965. A soft opening took place August 31, 1966, with 36 stores, during which a time capsule was sealed and placed on the property by Mel Torme and Carmelita Pope. Final construction was completed nearly three months later, and the mall was dedicated on November 9, 1966, with grand opening celebrations from November 10–12, and 50 stores open. Grand opening celebrations featured Homer and Jethro, Art Hodes and Sid Sakowicz, the Art Van Damme Quintet, and Ned Locke of the "Bozo's Circus" TV show. The mall had 64 shops by 1968, including Montgomery Ward, J. C. Penney, Woolworth, Walgreens, and a Jewel supermarket. In 1970, Turn Style was added as another anchor.