Several events planned for Westmoreland Mall this month

Officials at Westmoreland Mall are preparing for a busy month after several events were scheduled at the Hempfield facility.

In all, three events will take place throughout February, located in the mall’s center court.

The events will kick off Saturday with the Boy Scout’s Pinewood Derby Championship. Participants are required to craft a handmade wooden car, which will race down a metal track. The show features top racers from the Boy Scout of America Westmoreland-Fayette Council’s Laurel Hill and Bushy Run divisions competing for division titles.

The race has been held at the mall for several years. This year, races will run at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

On Feb. 12-13, the Valentine’s Day “Love is in the Air” showcase will take place, offering gift ideas for the upcoming holiday.

The craft show will feature seven vendors, including: Tastefully Simple, Pink Zebra, Donna Ray Boutique, Stinky Cat Candles & Tarts, B&B Creative Designs, Courtney’s Candies and Integrity Home Improvement. It runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Feb. 12 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 13.

“Seasonal markets like the Love is in the Air Showcase give our customers the opportunity to discover new and unique gifts while supporting local artisans and small business owners,” said Stacey Keating, spokeswoman for Chattanooga, Tenn.-based CBL Properties, the entity that owns Westmoreland and Monroeville malls.

The following week, A.C. J’s second annual Cabin Fever Vendor Show will take place, which encourages attendees to shop small. The event is scheduled for Feb. 18-20 and Feb. 25-27. On Friday and Saturday the show runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. On Sunday’s it is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“The event is just what you need to escape chilly temps while shopping small and supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs,” a news release reads.

Last year, the event was held at A.C. J’s, a family-owned business that displays items from local businesses.

The slew of events scheduled at the facility comes as several vacant storefronts at the mall have filled up with new businesses.

Last year, two stores that previously shuttered at the mall — Charlotte Russe and Christopher & Banks — reopened their doors. They were joined by several locally owned stores like Neecs Sneaks, Rock Bottom jewelry store, SpectroDolce Confectionery and Western Edge Seafood.