By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – When Noah Houston and his colleagues were appointed to the first Alabaster Teen Council several months ago, they had one goal above all others: To give teens a voice in the city.

“As the Teen Council, we are trying to give teens a voice and an outlet to express their opinions. We want to get involved in the city,” Houston said during an Aug. 5 phone interview.

After working with city leaders over the past several months, members of the Teen Council have organized the city’s first Teen Fest, which will be held from 4-10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16, at Alabaster’s Municipal Park.

The event will feature a talent show, field games, water balloon battles and food and merchant vendors. Gene Rowley, the owner of the Alabaster-based APH radio station, will emcee 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.

“It will just be a good day to enjoy kicking off the school year,” Houston said.

The talent show will feature 30 acts, and the top three performers will receive awards.

To register for the talent show, volunteer to work the event, become a sponsor or to learn more about the event, visit Cityofalabaster.com/residents/alabaster-teen-council.