A Wawa store in Stafford, Va., doled out free gifts and recognition to loyal customers as it celebrated its 10th anniversary last week, the Stafford County Sun newspaper reported.

The store’s Jan. 23 celebration was an all-day event that recognized regular customers for their loyalty and business. It was part of the Year of the Wawaversary, where in 2009 the chain will celebrate milestone anniversaries of 10, 25, 30, 35, 40, and even 45 years at 60 Wawa stores, the newspaper reported.

The store offered bakery treats and free coffee, as well as recognizing its own employees and its years of service to the community.

The store was filled with decorations, the newspaper said, while employees wore party hats with the words “10 years” across them, as well as T-shirts honoring the day. There were coffee cups and other anniversary apparel brought in especially for the day, the newspaper said.

Wawa’s mascot, Wally Goose, was also on hand to get the party started while the store played upbeat music to let everyone know they were celebrating.

“As we’ve grown through the years we’ve worked very hard to ensure that the in-store experience is a great one for every customer, and we’re very happy we’ve been able to accomplish that goal here,” said Howard Stoeckel, Wawa’s president and CEO told the newspaper. “Holding this anniversary celebration is our way of thanking our associates and customers for making our store feel like family, and of acknowledging this important moment in our company’s history.”

As part of the celebration, Wawa recognized some of its regular customers who’ve frequented the shop since the store opened. The customers received a golden travel mug filled with one month’s worth of free Wawa coffee coupons as well as a month’s worth of coffee coupons. They were also each awarded a ceremonial “key” to the store. Robert Lewis, of Stafford, said he visits Wawa every day. He was one of Wawa’s special customers honored.

The store was built in 1999, and was the fifth Wawa to open in the state of Virginia.