SPRUCE PINE — The building that housed Mountaineer Auction in Spruce Pine has been repurposed into an event hosting space called The Event Center.
Husband and wife Keith and Dawn Johnson have owned the building for several years. The large, open space was ideal for Mountaineer Auction, which gave droves of bidders a weekly chance to purchase an assortment of goods.
The Johnsons closed the door on the weekly auctions this past March, but soon after, they decided the space is ideal for hosting banquets, parties, showers and other events.
So, they got to work.
Over the course of two months, the Johnsons laid 10,000 pounds of new ceramic tile flooring, refurbished the bathrooms and painted the walls.
“We’ve worked hard on this space,” Dawn Johnson said. “I would host something here and if I would, that says a lot. My husband says I would be so picky.”
The Event Center comes equipped with tables and chairs in its open hosting area. Patrons can also rent fabric tablecloths and can bring their own decorations.
The indoor hosting space extends outside onto a covered front deck.
“It’s a space that’s so versatile, it can really be anything,” Dawn Johnson said. “We made it neutral so that it’s pretty enough for wedding receptions but also pretty enough for a special event or a charity auction.”
The Johnsons admitted the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed their progress with marketing The Event Center, however, the space was recently used for a baby shower.
“They loved it,” Dawn Johnson said about the baby shower. “She gave us rave reviews. We were glad they enjoyed the space. We have a few more bookings but we’d love a whole lot more.”
Dawn Johson added that anyone interested in hosting an event amid the pandemic can rest assured that all Centers for Disease Control cleaning guidelines are followed after each event.
“I have a checklist,” she said. “We have a steam machine we use. We do every doorknob, every handle. We also use alcohol-based cleaners and Clorox.”
Dawn Johnson said she hopes word will get around about the new space.
“Anything they need it for, this pace would be perfect,” she said. “It made sense to make this space as usable as possible for many things rather than marketing it as only one thing.”
The Event Center is located directly off of U.S. 19E, just past Stamey’s Grocery and Car Wash.
For information, visit The Event Center Facebook page or call 467-2065.