By Marla Jones, Managing Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

ROSALIE, Ala. — On Saturday, August 1, two local Rosalie residents opened the gates to their new arena.

Hidden Springs Arena, which is located off of Highway 71, is owned and operated by Stephanie Gilliam and Sherri Holder Reynolds. 

It was their desire to open an event venue that would service Jackson County and surrounding areas.

On Saturday, the Hidden Springs Arena hosted the National Barrel Horse Association event in front of a large crowd. 

"We want to thank everyone who came out to make our first event at Hidden Springs Arena a success!" said co-owner Stephanie Gilliam. "We would like to particularly thank those who made our first night successful: the Rosalie Volunteer Fire Department, Brent Worley, Stephanie Johns, C.E. Holder, Keith, Courtney and Keeley Johns, Justin Kraemer, Emily White, Scott Jones, Tyler Jeffery, Terry & Laine Kenimer, Brett Roden, my parents, Larry Porter, Logan Williams, Matt, Bubba Lacey, Duron & Sandy Harris, Ronnie Marion, Terri White, Neil Clemons, Whitney Downs, Dee Dee Kirklen, Phillip Reed and everyone else involved."

The family facility also has a concession stand and will be expanding in the near future. 

The next big event at Hidden Springs Arena will be held on October 3, where they will host the National Barrel Horse Association once again.