Gala Event Center will feature The 2009 Bridal Gala beginning at 11 a.m. The center is located at 42 Prairie Dell Plaza Drive near Great 8 Cinema. A fashion show begins at 2 p.m.

The Bridal Gala will feature about 40 vendors ranging from florists and caterers, to jewelry stores, hotels and photographers. There will be over $4,000 in gifts and prizes during the event.

Neil Kruel, who owns and is developing the Gala Event Center with his wife Hanna, said the bridal show is the perfect first event for the new convection center that can hold wedding receptions and other larger banquets.

He added that the state-of-the-art amenities contrasted with "Old World decor" is much needed in the area.

"I think it will be a really nice addition to the community," said Kruel.

He noted that the center can accommodate over 450 guests for a banquet. A grand opening will be held in May or June.

Although the facility will not prepare food on site, there will be a warming kitchen and "preferred caterers" will be recommended to guests.

Guests are welcomed into the Gala Event Center with a fireplace in the lobby and a large vintage bar in the banquet room. Adjacent to the banquet hall will be an open courtyard. The landscaped area will be ideal for weddings, musical performances, art exhibitions and wine tasting.

In the courtyard the Westminster chimes can be heard on the hour from the bell tower and a variety of other music can be programmed from the bell tower for every occasion.

On the west side of the courtyard will be a 5,000-square-foot family-style pub and grill.

Plans also call for a hotel, to complete Prairie Dell Plaza, which the Kruels designed 10 years ago. Great 8 Cinema, Pizza, Pasta & More, C & D Bar and Grill (formerly the Hawthorne Inn) and other businesses already are located within Prairie Dell Plaza.

Prairie Dell Plaza sits on a 15-acre tract previously owned by Kruel's parents, Wilbert and Annette Kruel, Union. Kruel said the 25,000-square-foot convention center is just another phase to complete his vision for the area.

Kruel said the Gala Event Center will work with local talent to re-establish the "dinner theater" venue. Staff will work to seek both national and local conventions, and work with local businesses, including florists, designers, photographers, artists and event planners.

For reservations people may call 314-719-7804 or for more information visit www.galaeventcenter.com.