Market City Shopping Center is celebrating its 60th anniversary.

Though no public events are scheduled, an invitation-only event Saturday is expected to attract more than 500 people. The event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the shopping center's lower parking lot.

Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona and other dignitaries plan to attend to celebrate the shopping center, at 2919 Kapi'olani Blvd.

The 3.5-acre parcel is owned by Marvin and Sandy Fong.

It grew out of humble beginnings — as a vegetable patch — and is the site of the first Foodland Super Market in the Islands. That supermarket is still there. In recent years, the Fongs have been working to redevelop the center.