The Columns Banquet Center

10/02/2026

A beautiful setting for life’s most special moments.🎄✨

The Columns Banquet Center offers an elegant and versatile space for weddings, receptions, showers, holiday celebrations, and more. From the ceremony to the reception, our space provides a beautiful backdrop for creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Planning your next celebration? Let the Columns Banquet Center be the place where your special day comes to life!

08/11/2026

📣 AN UPDATE — AND AN EXCITING NEW DIRECTION FOR COOK’S FAMILY BUSINESSES
A few months ago, we shared our plans to bring several of our businesses together in the lower level of Center City Market.
As we continued working through those plans, looking at the needs of each business and thinking about what makes the most sense for the future, we realized there was an even better opportunity right in front of us.
We have decided to make the historic Triangle Building located at the corner 17th street and 12th Avenue will be the new home of Cook’s Family Businesses and C&J Cabinet Company, while Always A Party Rentals will remain at its current location.
The Triangle Building gives us the opportunity to create a professional, highly visible home for our corporate operations while building an entirely new kitchen and bath showroom for C&J Cabinet Company. It also puts us in the heart of downtown and in close proximity to many of the properties and businesses we operate every day.
At the same time, keeping Always A Party at its current location simply makes sense. The building provides the showroom, warehouse, loading and storage space that an event rental company requires, without trying to force those operations into a space that wasn't designed for them.
Sometimes the best plan becomes clearer as you begin putting all the pieces together.
Our growing family of businesses now includes:
• C&J Cabinet Company LLC
• Always A Party Rentals
• C&J Rental Management LLC
•Center City Market/McCrory Apartments
• The Columns Banquet Center
• The Discovery Center Downtown
• St. Luke’s Cultural Center
• The Market Basket Downtown/LaJo's Italian Market
• Cook’s Painting & Renovation

Together, these businesses represent years of investment, hard work and a continued commitment to Altoona and its downtown.
The Triangle Building will become a central hub where we can meet with customers, manage our companies and showcase the products and services of C&J Cabinet Company—all while continuing to utilize our other properties for the specialized operations, storage and warehousing each business requires.
And this change creates another opportunity.
The approximately 7,000-square-foot lower level of Center City Market is once again available for lease. With approximately 13-foot ceilings, two staircases, elevator access and a large open floor plan, it is one of the most unique commercial spaces in downtown Altoona. We'll be sharing more information about that opportunity separately.
We’ve learned over the years that growing a business sometimes means being willing to adjust the plan when a better path becomes clear.
We believe we found that path.
We’re excited to begin this next chapter at the Triangle Building and look forward to sharing the transformation with you as our new showroom and offices come together.
Cook’s Family Businesses
Building Business. Building Community.

08/11/2026

📣 AN UPDATE — AND AN EXCITING NEW DIRECTION FOR COOK’S FAMILY BUSINESSES
A few weeks ago, we shared our plans to bring several of our businesses together in the lower level of Center City Market.
As we continued working through those plans, looking at the needs of each business and thinking about what makes the most sense for the future, we realized there was an even better opportunity right in front of us.
We have decided to make the historic Triangle Building the new home of Cook’s Family Businesses and C&J Cabinet Company, while Always A Party Rentals will remain at its current location.
The Triangle Building gives us the opportunity to create a professional, highly visible home for our corporate operations while building an entirely new kitchen and bath showroom for C&J Cabinet Company. It also puts us in the heart of downtown and in close proximity to many of the properties and businesses we operate every day.
At the same time, keeping Always A Party at its current location simply makes sense. The building provides the showroom, warehouse, loading and storage space that an event rental company requires, without trying to force those operations into a space that wasn't designed for them.
Sometimes the best plan becomes clearer as you begin putting all the pieces together.
Our growing family of businesses now includes:
• C&J Cabinet Company LLC
• Always A Party Rentals
• C&J Rental Management LLC
•Center City Market/McCrory Apartments
• The Columns Banquet Center
• The Discovery Center Downtown
• St. Luke’s Cultural Center
• The Market Basket Downtown/LaJo's Italian Market
• Cook’s Painting & Renovation

Together, these businesses represent years of investment, hard work and a continued commitment to Altoona and its downtown.
The Triangle Building will become a central hub where we can meet with customers, manage our companies and showcase the products and services of C&J Cabinet Company—all while continuing to utilize our other properties for the specialized operations, storage and warehousing each business requires.
And this change creates another opportunity.
The approximately 7,000-square-foot lower level of Center City Market is once again available for lease. With approximately 13-foot ceilings, two staircases, elevator access and a large open floor plan, it is one of the most unique commercial spaces in downtown Altoona. We'll be sharing more information about that opportunity separately.
We’ve learned over the years that growing a business sometimes means being willing to adjust the plan when a better path becomes clear.
We believe we found that path.
We’re excited to begin this next chapter at the Triangle Building and look forward to sharing the transformation with you as our new showroom and offices come together.
Cook’s Family Businesses
Building Business. Building Community.

07/04/2026

06/02/2026

05/18/2026

05/18/2026

The magic is always in the details ✨

At The Columns, we love seeing the personal touches that make every wedding unique. What’s a wedding detail you’ll never forget? 💐

05/18/2026

The magic is always in the details ✨

At The Columns, we love seeing the personal touches that make every wedding unique. What’s a wedding detail you’ll never forget? 💐

03/11/2026

We are only four days away from our 4th annual downtown Altoona bridal expo! There is so much to do and see on this special day! You will be able to meet 50 separate wedding industry professionals from florists, photographers, DJs, travel agents, venues owners and much more! If you or someone you know is getting married in the near future you do not want to miss this event! Pre-register today. www.cooksfamilybusinesses.com

03/06/2026

✨ The Final Vendor Lineup is HERE! ✨

Brides and Grooms preregister for free at www.cooksfamilybusinesses.com

Walk-in's also welcome

We’re so excited to officially announce the final list of amazing vendors who will be part of our upcoming Bridal Show on March 14th! From stunning gowns and photography to florals, décor, desserts, and everything in between — these incredible local businesses are ready to help make your dream wedding come to life. 💍

Whether you’re just starting to plan or putting the finishing touches on your big day, this is the perfect chance to meet talented professionals, get inspired, ask questions, and discover ideas you may not have even thought of yet!

Come spend the day with us, connect with the experts, and start turning your wedding vision into reality. Trust us — you won’t want to miss this!

👇 Check out our final vendor lineup below and get ready for an unforgettable event!

Sponsors: Cook's Family Businesses and The Altoona Mirror
Photographers & Videographers: LaurMar Photo, Stefani Nicole Photography, The Gray Experience Photo + Video, & Mediated Media LLC.
DJs & Live Music: Bridge and Bow, Dynamite DJs, DJ YAMZ, DJ Jack Labarko Inc., Spinners DJ Services, Full House Productions, All Star Productions, & Loud & Proud Entertainment
Caterers and Desserts: Catered Affairs Altoona PA, Black & Blue BBQ llc, Philly Pretzel Factory - Altoona, Parlor Doughnuts (Altoona), & Foot of Ten Bakery
Bartenders: Woody Lodge Winery LLC., Timmy C Professional Bartender, & Will Travel For Cocktails
Wedding Gowns & Men's Formal Wear: Diamond Bridal, Always A Party Rentals, Beverly's Touch of Class, & The 700 Shop
Florals & Decor: Peterman's Florist & Flower Delivery, Florals on the Corner, Betty's Backyard Blooms, & Always A Party Rentals
Hair, Makeup, & Beauty: Amanda Sullivan, Giovana Makeup LLC., Calley&Co., Rebecca Litchy, Amarah Craine, & Love What you are Doing
Venues: The Columns Banquet Center, The Discovery Center Downtown, St Luke's Cultural Center, Marraras Mountain Lodge and Wedding Venue, The Penn Stater, The Appalachian Hideaway, & The Rustic on Sterling
Event Planners & Coordinators: Ever Essence Events, ConsiderIt Consulting, & Blue Bon Events
Travel: Ketrow KURTZ Travel, Wonderland and Beyond Travel - Ashlyn Gravagna, Freedom Excursions by Scully LLC, Wingate Altoona & Tōst at Market Square,
Printers: The UPS Store 6512
Kitchen & Home: Cora Yarnal - Independent Advanced Director, The Pampered Chef & Renewal by Andersen of West Central Pennsylvania

Brides and Grooms preregister for free at www.cooksfamilybusinesses.com