BEDFORD — After 15 years as a special education teacher, Michelle Miller wanted to find a way to remain involved in her community following an injury that prevented her from continuing to work in the school system.
That goal led Miller to open Miller’s Banquet Hall at 2826 Washington Ave. in Bedford.
Miller said her experiences attending parties over the years helped inspire the 2,100-square-foot event space, which she designed to give guests many of the amenities they might need for a celebration in one location.
“I wanted to start a business where I could still be a part of the community and children without being so hands-on,” Miller said.
The banquet hall can accommodate up to 100 adults and includes a children’s play area, baby playland and a seating area for teens equipped with charging stations. The facility also has three televisions, a bar with six barstools, and tables and chairs.
Miller describes the space as a “blank canvas” that customers can decorate and design to fit their event.
Rental packages include tablecloths, decorations and glassware, along with a photo wall, steam table, food cooling stations, commercial refrigerator and freezer, ice machine and kegerator.
The hall has already hosted celebrations of life, birthday parties, bridal showers and graduation parties. Miller said the space also is available for holiday celebrations and will be decorated for the holidays.
Four-hour rentals cost $200, while a full-day rental of up to 15 hours costs $400.
Miller’s Banquet Hall will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25. Phat Daddy’s Barbecue will provide lunch for those attending.
The public grand opening is scheduled for 6 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29. Phat Daddy’s Barbecue will have food available for purchase, giveaways will be held every 30 minutes, and the live band Crazy Circles will perform.
In addition to private events, Miller is offering weekly yoga classes at the hall. Yoga is held from 6 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday with a licensed instructor from Wild Moon Yoga.
The cost is $10 for adults, while children attend for free. Child care is provided during the one-hour class by a licensed school teacher, allowing parents to participate without having to arrange separate care.
Miller said the yoga class is designed for all experience levels, from beginners to experienced participants.
She also hopes to begin offering after-school care from 3 to 6 p.m. at a cost of $5 per hour. Those interested can contact Miller at 812-276-3366 or at millersbanquethall.com.
Customers can book the banquet hall through its Facebook page, Miller’s Banquet Hall Bedford Indiana, or at millersbanquethall.com.
As part of the grand opening, Miller will give away a $400 full-day party rental as the grand prize.
Miller said her goal is to provide Bedford-area residents with a convenient, flexible place to gather for a wide range of events.
“I look forward to serving my community,” she said.
