By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Going into Alabaster’s first Teen Fest event on Aug. 16, Mayor Marty Handlon and the event’s youth organizers weren’t sure what to expect.

But when the weather turned out perfect – if a little hot – all their fears of a low turnout were shattered.

“I believe it was a great success,” Handlon said during a City Council meeting two days after the event. “We gave out over 400 free sack lunches, so that’s the best way I know how to estimate the attendance. It looked like a great time was had by all.”

From 4-10 p.m. on Aug. 16, local teens turned Alabaster’s Municipal Park into a fun-filled festival and talent show.

After working with city leaders over the past several months, members of the Teen Council organized the city’s first Teen Fest, which was held from 4-10 p.m. at the park.

The festival featured a talent show, field games, water balloon battles, a giant water slide and food and merchant vendors. Gene Rowley, the owner of the Alabaster-based APH radio station, emceed the event throughout the day.

Full Moon Barbecue is the title sponsor, and other sponsors include Press Start, Cool Box, APH Radio, YMCA and the Shelby County Reporter.

During the talent show, 30 acts showcased their musical abilities, and the top three performers received awards. Zoria and Zinia Drake won first place in the show, Mary Beth Moore took home silver and Mackenzie Shaw finished third.

“I can’t believe the talent of the young people in our city,” Ward 1 Councilwoman Sophie Martin said during the council meeting. “For a first year event, I think the attendance just spells out success. They put together a great event.”