GRAND OPENING

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Doug Davidson, better known as Paul Williams of television's "The Young and the Restless," will visit Venture's new store in University Mall here March 16 as part of Venture's Grand Opening Week.

Davidson will autograph photos and greet fans from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the store.

Venture will open in an 80,000 square foot facility in the mall at 9:30 a.m. Monday following a 9:15 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony. The first week will be a "quiet opening week," with Grand Opening Week starting Sunday, March 10 and climaxed Saturday, March 16 by Davidson's appearance.

Davidson has been seen in more than 1,200 episodes of "Young and Restless" as detective Paul Williams. He has also appeared on more than 75 national daytime magazine and newspaper covers.

Other highlight activities during Grand Opening week will be a Mattel Barbie Birthday Party featuring Barbie in person on March 10; several costumed characters, including Snoopy, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, and others; and the appearance of the 1991 Valvoline race car at the Venture Parking lot March 15.