MAIN HALL—Wandra Sparks and her husband, Wilbur Sparks, stand in the middle of the main hall of the Ribbon Room. (Photos by J.L. Martello)
Lifelong Clairton resident Wandra Sparks always wanted to move the world in which she lived. She hopes to accomplish that dream with the recent opening of her new banquet hall, the Ribbon Room.
“I feel so blessed that my dream finally came to fruition,” said Sparks, who recently retired as a City of Clairton employee after 44 years. “I want everyone of every nationality to come and enjoy themselves here.”
The Ribbon Room is located at 310 Waddell Ave.in Clairton. It has two banquet rooms, the main of which is spacious and features a stage, serving area and loft. The second floor of the hall has a full-service bar and a dance area.
OPEN HOUSE—Many community people came out to the open house of the Ribbon Room.
The hall, which used to be the former American Italian Club and had its grand opening the weekend of Oct. 5-6, can accommodate 50 to 25 guests and is perfect for corporate meetings, church meetings, luncheons, showers, reunions, anniversaries, weddings, wakes, retirements and all other occasions.
“My husband and I worked three years on remodeling this building while working jobs,” Sparks said. “My husband gutted the building. We put in new floors, new walls, new ceilings and new wiring. I know we got here by the grace of God. This is a walk of faith by God and I don’t feel threatened by anything or anybody.”
This isn’t Sparks’ first foray into business ownership. She has opened several businesses in the city of Clairton throughout the years, including a coffee shop.
The opening of The Ribbon Room starts the next phase of Sparks’ working life.
“When we first came in and looked at the place, I told Wandra there was no way,” said Wilbur Sparks. “But Wandra said ‘I want it’ so here it is.”
Sparks used the opening of her banquet hall to serve as the space to celebrate her recent retirement, her husband’s birthday and the couple’s 34th wedding anniversary.
THE LOFT—The loft above the main floor offers comfortable seating. (Photo by J.L. Martello)
Family, friends and well wishers gathered at the facility to share in Sparks’ joy.
“I wish that the Lord would give them more success than they can handle,” said Sparks’ brother, Harvey “Sweet” McDougal.
Sparks’ cousin, Rev. Leroy Thompson, agreed with McDougal.
“I have lived in the city of Clairton all of my life and we are a good city with a good heart. I hope that people come out and support this business,” Thompson said.
So far, Thompson’s prayer has been answered.
Sparks said she has two events booked at the hall already.
The Ribbon Room will not only be used for special occasions, Sparks will hold Zumba classes, Jazz nights, oldies nights, and inspirational speakers.
“We will have a lot of things that the community of Clairton will be interested in. Come and let us make your next occasion divine,” Sparks said.
Anyone interested in renting the Ribbon Room should call 412-233-3335 or visit www.ribbonroombh.com
Your comments are welcome.
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