CLINTON — HobbyTown, the largest brick-and-mortar hobby retailer in the world, will open a new store on Chenango Avenue on Friday, Nov. 18.

Located at 34 Chenango Ave., the new store will be the largest toy, game and hobby shop in the Utica area. HobbyTown specializes in radio-controlled cars, boats and planes, educational toys, models of all kinds, model railroads, slot cars, strategy and family games, rockets and kites, microscopes and telescopes, unique gift items, paints and tools, and all accessories needed for almost any hobby.

“We are thrilled to be opening a full-line hobby store in Clinton. I grew up just north of the Clinton area, left to go to college and start a career, and now I’m returning home to the welcoming Village of Clinton. It’s a dream come true,” said co-owner Kim Miller.

The grand opening planned for Nov. 18 will feature a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m., with gift cards and gift bags handed out to the first 25 customers after the ceremony. Tickets will be handed out both Friday and Saturday for free drawings to be held for RC trucks, games, plushies and other fun items totaling more than $1,000 on Saturday.

An activity room is planned to open soon after the grand opening and will host events for Magic the Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, Warhammer 40K, Gundam Model Build Days and Board Game Nights.

The store will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information about HobbyTown, check out HobbyTown.com or call 315-557-5054.

HobbyTown Clinton is a locally owned and operated franchise. HobbyTown was founded more than 35 years ago in Lincoln, Neb., and the corporation has been franchising since 1985. With more than 150 franchise stores located in the continental United States, HobbyTown is the most experienced nationwide franchise in the hobby industry.