Recruiting, climbing and bouncing at grand opening

During Saturday's opening-ceremony extravaganza at the Northtown Plaza shopping center, the Marine Corps' 25-foot inflatable drill instructor stood firm despite a cool, gusting wind.

"That's the way Marines are," said Gunnery Sgt. James John of the newly opened recruiting station.

Other new offices and businesses offered gifts, snacks and an inflatable bounce house, but the United States Marines at Saturday's fair kept it simple.

"We're offering enlistment in the Marine Corps," said John, who prefers to go by "Gunney John" -- corps slang for Gunnery Sgt. John.

Fifty feet north toward Kmart, Scott Gahagan of McClains Mobile Music was playing a range of tunes from oldies to top 40 pop as well as naming raffle prize winners.

"I'm just here to play some music and be sociable," he smiled in the sun.

Farther down, cosmetologist Sheri Silsby from Sa-hair-a salon described the company's services: Haircuts, colors, perms, waxing, facials, pedicures, manicures and products for sale by Paul Mitchell, Aquage and Biolage.

What was her favorite part of the day?

"I'll tell you as soon as I go try that rock climbing wall," she said.

The U.S. Army toted the 25-foot wall on a trailer behind a black Suburban. It offered four routes of increasing difficulty, according to Station Commander Sgt. 1st Class John Canestaro. Canestaro described the wall's one-man setup and automatic belay system which uses hydraulics to lower climbers safely.

Six-year-old Chazz Nystrom, a Fritsch Elementary student, was exhilarated after his climb. "I slipped on the last one and I was like 'Whoa!' then I rang the buzzer," he huffed. "And oh! My hands hurt!"

Air Force recruiter Tech. Sgt. Rory Kouba manned a table of brochures and fliers.

"The Air Force is doing really well right now," he said. "We're looking for more qualified people than we usually do because we're doing so well."

Also celebrating their grand opening Saturday was Eagle Fitness.

Out front of the gym under a 50-foot glass awning Vickie Jones, a marketing representative from Costco, had a table of Pria energy snack bars and Kirkwood bottled water for folks to try.

Sheba the cat, a 14-year-old African black leopard, was lounging on a rug 20 feet away. "Tiger Peter" Renzo from Silver Springs brought her to offer photo opportunities for $10. He says he also owns two sons of Sabre, described at 12 feet long as the largest tiger in the world.

Physical therapist Kevin Bigley had a table outside his new office, Ascent Physical Therapy. He was offering free musculoskeletal exams and explaining the importance of "core stability."

Meanwhile, 100 feet above the parking lot, firefighter Steve Schwieger and Lt. Clayton Powers of Warren Engine Co. stood at the top of the truck one extending ladder.

"If you're afraid of heights, this'll let you know," laughed First Assistant Chief Pete Baker on the ground.