The Cobbletone Center, Tahoe City's iconic shopping center (aptly located in the center of town) will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Saturday, June 25th. Locals and visitors are invited to join the party, and if so inclined, don some 60's attire to add a retro look to the festivities.

Fifty years ago, in 1966, Dan and Joan Hauserman started building The Cobblestone. Their idea was that since the 1960 Olympics had turned Tahoe City into a year round community there was a viable opportunity to build a commercial shopping center in the center of town.

"It came from my Mom’s realization that if she loved to shop but was sick of having to go to Reno, other people must feel the same way," recalls their son, Tim Hauserman.

Their theme was build a European-style village across the street from the world’s most beautiful lake. The first building went up in 1966, but it would take another seven years until the Tudor Arcade at the back (north side) of the property would complete the original Cobblestone. Over the years, the Hausermans added an entire other building to the east, a theater, a restaurant and the spectacular clocktower, now a landmark in Tahoe City.

Over the 50 years, numerous businesses have come and gone. Many Tahoe locals remember the A&W restaurant anchoring the center of town, and the Cooking Gallery and Gundy of Scandinavia. Today, the Cobblestone is more vibrant then ever. The recent additions of the Tahoe Art Haus Cinema (replacing the original Cobblestone Cinema), Tahoe Mountain Brewing Company have added a variety of food and entertainment to the eclectic and entertaining group of locally-owned shops and offices.

Visitors and locals are invited to join in the celebration of Cobblestone's 50 Years being held on Saturday, June 25th from 1 - 5 pm.