The biggest mall in America — which many predicted would fail — is celebrating its 25th anniversary on Friday and is still going strong.
Everyone is invited to the birthday party for Mall of America in Bloomington. At 1 p.m., customers will be treated to party hats and cupcakes. There's a catch: You have to decorate the cupcake. In what's become a tradition of sorts at MOA, there are Guinness World Records to be set on the milestone for the most people wearing the conical birthday hats and the most people decorating cupcakes at the same time.
Actually, the world record attempts and other events are part of what sets MOA apart from struggling malls across the United States: It has truly become a public square and an entertainment destination for people. More people visit the Mall of America each year than Disney World in Florida, and it continues to produce $2 billion in economic activity each year.
Chain Store Guide in July named it the top retail experience in America.
"As we look ahead beyond our 25th birthday, we expect to include more entertainment in our retail mix, and continue to integrate digital tools to help enhance the guest's stay," said MOA spokeswoman Greta Anderson. "We've succeeded in leading the retail and entertainment space for 25 years, and it's been a great ride."
Customers on Friday also will be treated to cupcakes and a one-of-a-kind cake from Bartolo "Buddy" Valastro, whose Carlo's Bakery of "Cake Boss" fame is opening a location at the mall before the end of the year.
Here's some quick MOA facts from the mall, the city of Bloomington and other retail sources:
• Guinness World Records already set at the mall range from the largest number of people playing in a handbell choir (664) and the most Ninja Turtles in one place (836) to the largest pizza crust spun in two minutes (33.2 inches diameter), the highest pizza dough toss (21 feet, 5 inches) and the most people tying their shoes at the same time (252).