Last April, the huge explosion that wrecked several downtown buildings and forced neighbors out of their homes also badly damaged the Les Schwab Tire Center in North Bend.

Now, nearly six months after the natural gas explosion on April 25, 2014, Les Schwab celebrates the grand reopening of its remodeled North Bend store this weekend.

“We are so happy to be back in our new remodeled store, and want to thank the community and our customers for their support and patience while we were under construction,” said Kevin Schallhorn, manager of the North Bend store.

Residents and customers are welcome at a two-day party on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 17 and 18. The grand reopening celebration features giveaways, food, discounts and activities.

“We’re looking forward to showing our neighbors the new showroom, and thanking them for sticking with us while we worked out of our temporary quarters,” Schallhorn said.

Throughout the weekend, Les Schwab will have drawings for movie tickets and store memorabilia, while supplies last. Free hot dogs and cake will be available.

Radio station KISS-FM will broadcast from the store from 3 to 5 p.m. on Friday, and KLCK-FM will broadcast on Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. There will be activities for families, including a fast pitch machine and Les Schwab’s custom wheels trailer.

The store location remains the same, 610 E North Bend Way.

“Our customers seem as excited about our newly remodeled location as we are,” said Schallhorn. He and his staff are “proud of our store and our community.”