Friends, family and members of the Liberty and Sullivan County communities gathered on Thursday evening for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the grand opening of Liberty Blooms Florist.

The flower shop, located at 91 N Main Street in Liberty, is filling the void left by the closing of Hillside Greenhouses. Joseph Topolski, who has over 40 years of experience, brought his talents to Liberty Blooms to cntinue sharing his artistic floral displays across Sullivan County.

“Liberty is our home, but this is not just a Liberty business,” Jean Dermer co-owner of Liberty Blooms said. “This is a Sullivan County business. We deliver throughout and reach the far corners of Sullivan County.”

Main Street was packed on Thursday evening as well-wishers gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the flower shop, with hors d’oeuvres and champagne available to those in attendance.

Members of the Greater Liberty Chamber of Commerce and the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce brought big scissors out as everyone gathered around co-owners Tami Van Leuven and Jean Dermer as they cut through the ceremonial ribbons.

After the ribbons were cut, attendees poured into the shop from the front door, checking out the new business and congratulating the owners.

The inside of the shop is a cozy place full of lush greenery and elegant floral arrangements on display.

“It was an amazing evening,” the co-owners reflected. “It was a great outpouring of support for our business. Liberty is our home, and we’re happy to be here!”