Celebrate Local gives West Alabama businesses a space to shine

June 14, 2023

WVUA 23 News,

By WVUA 23 News Student Reporter Chaney Scott

Independent West Alabama businesses got a space in the spotlight Tuesday, as the Celebrate Local event at the Tuscaloosa River Market showcased some of the best that the area has to offer.

In its sixth year, Celebrate Local is sponsored by Visit Tuscaloosa and hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama. The event showcases locally owned businesses like retailers, artists, restaurants and crafters.

Strange Brew Coffeehouse barista Joey Whitmore said it’s important that residents consider shopping locally.

“It’s really cool to see everybody come out and try out different businesses that are around Tuscaloosa that maybe they would not have experienced before,” Whitmore said.

Fleet Feet Tuscaloosa owner Henry Carpenter said it’s great seeing the quality of businesses operating around West Alabama.

“We are trying really hard to serve everybody here in the community and give them the service that they deserve, which is high quality service,” Carpenter said. “Everybody here does that and they do a really good job of that.”

Chamber CEO Kyle South said more than 800 people were expected to attend throughout the daylong event.

Businesses that participated include: