By Teresa Herriman, The Courier-Herald

Prairie Ridge is having a celebration and everyone is invited.

This Saturday there will be balloons, refreshments and lots of smiles to celebrate the dedication of the Prairie Ridge Community Service Center.

The party starts at 11 a.m. at the new building at 14104 Prairie Ridge Dr. E.

The open house, sponsored by the Prairie Ridge Maintenance Company and the Prairie Ridge Community Coalition, will include a dedication ceremony attended by Pierce County Councilman Shawn Bunney and representatives of the Pierce County Health Department, Pierce County Library, Pierce County Sheriff's Department and local legislators.

Good Samaritan Mobile Health will be on hand from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to provide free blood pressure and diabetes screening and offer tobacco education.

The formal dedication begins at 11:30 a.m. followed by a tour of the building and refreshments.

Barney Willard, president of the Prairie Ridge Community Maintenance Company board and Carline Roads, president of the Prairie Ridge Community Coalition are slated to speak. Theresa Reda, one of the original members who prepared the grant used to fund the building, will provide a history of the project.

Party planners are expecting up to 100 attendees.

"I hope it's a nice big turnout," said Mary Sorg, one of those planning the event. Sorg works at the center, coordinating various programs.

"It was a long time coming and very welcome to the community," Sorg said. "It is being used every day."

Teresa Herriman can be reached at therriman@courierherald.com