By Brady Talbert / Staff Writer

ALABASTER- White table tops, rustic glass jugs, decorative foliage and a marquee sign welcome visitors at a new local business on U.S. 31, which celebrated the opening of its doors Wednesday, May 30, with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The Carter Event Center, an event venue available for rent, is hoping to fill a vacancy in the city’s market for indoor party locations. According to Mayor Marty Handlon, the lack of indoor event venues in Alabaster “has been a common complaint or criticism” and this new locale “adds more variety to a void that we’ve had for this type of business.”

Alabaster Industrial Development Board Director Cam Ward stated that “this will fill demand that’s being unmet right now.” In regard to the city, he said it allows citizens to hold events in Alabaster rather than turning toward “another city or community” and will have a “big impact – keeping your dollars here locally.”

Business owner Brittney Carter, who was raised in the area, said “I grew up here in Alabaster” and people were “always talking about having a party or an event.” The problem Carter ran into was finding the perfect location “that wasn’t huge.” The business owner “always needed something smaller,” a place to rent…for 50 to 75 people. The realization that large venues cost more and resulted in wasted space led her to establishing The Carter Event Center.

The locale provides a place for birthday, holiday, bachelorette and bachelor parties. In addition, the venue can be rented out for business meetings, anniversary celebrations, bar mitzvahs and more.

The event center offers different packages with prices based on time frames. After a $100 deposit when signing up for a package, customers can choose from a range of options. Clients may select from a two-hour, four-hour, eight-hour or over eight-hour bundle; with prices starting at $160.

The Carter Event Center is located at 844 on U.S. 31 South, Suite H next to the Chevron gas station. To contact the event center about a potential gathering, or for more details on pricing, call 205-800-9687 or send an email to thecarterevents@yahoo.com.