By Alison McFerrin

The Selma Times-Journal

Selmians put their party hats on Thursday for the ribbon cutting at Pettway’s Party Stop on Broad Street.

“I just want it to grow as big as it can,” owner Leslie Pettway said.

Pettway said the idea for the shop was born out of her own need, as she would decorate for parties.

“I noticed I always had to go to Montgomery to get everything,” Pettway said. “And every time I’d go to Party City, there would also be someone from Selma there.”

So Pettway said she thought, “Maybe I could just see if I could bring a part of that here, and that could keep money here, and keep people from driving so far just to get basic party needs.”

Pettway’s Party Stop has been open since December of 2010, selling themed decorations from pirates and luau to Hello Kitty, as well as solid colored products. The store has items for birthday parties and baby showers as well as upcoming holidays — Father’s Day balloons hang in the window, and a patriotic display is prominently placed.

Corey Bowie, who was one of the speakers before the ribbon cutting, said, “This is a continuing process in Selma, that we’re moving forward.”

Pettway said she will also continue being a nurse part time, so she can keep her license, but she will still work at the store full time with three of her friends.

“The biggest favor you can do me is just to keep spreading the word,” Leslie said to the crowd that came out to help her celebrate.