Hofford Mill in Weissport has launch party Sunday

A former silk mill that’s being converted into a new entertainment center in Weissport is set to host a soft launch.

The Hofford Mill Launch Party will be held from 1-5 p.m. Sunday and offer guests a chance to see the space and get a sampling of some of its offerings.

Hosted by Layne “Doc” Roberts from Colossal Radio, visitors will get to know the people behind the facility at 500 Bridge St., according to owner/CEO Kathryn McEvilly.

“We decided to have a soft launch party where people could see the space,” McEvilly said. “We wanted to give a taste of what they can see inside.”

Guests can enjoy wine tastings from Radical Wine Company; spirit tastings from Insurrection Distillery; ax-throwing demos from Throw House Axe Throwing; culinary bites from The Gorge; and live music from Two of a Kind.

Wine, spirits and refreshments will also be available for purchase on site.

Tickets are available for purchase online only at www.thehoffordmill.com under the Events tab.

McEvilly said people have already booked parties for next year.

“We want to give people a little more exposure,” she said. “We want the people to see what we have here and will have a soft opening in January.”

McEvilly said they will open in February, adding that by summer, “we’ll really be well-versed in what we’re doing.”

“We’re bringing different entities/businesses all into one place,” she said. “I think we have a mix of local and out of the area; I think it’s a nice marriage of the two.”

McEvilly said the area is really developing.

“This area has potential,” she said. “We want to reopen this building as a really central part of the community, and we’re hoping that it can be that again, the hub of the area.”

McEvilly said she’s received a ton of positive feedback in that it will give people more choices.

“You don’t have to travel two hours to get something new and exciting,” she said. “You should be able to get that in your community.”

Once it opens in January, McEvilly said the Hofford Mill will have a host stand and gift shop, coffee bar (Uncommon Grounds), bike racks for those who use the D&L Trail; ax-throwing cages; 16-18 bed hostel; private event room with minibar to hold 100-125 people; state-of-the-art kitchen; some historical display in the hallway, and a 40-foot bar with a local alcohol producer to be announced in the coming month.

“We’re really trying to go for that industrial look,” she said. “Where you don’t have to drive two hours to Philadelphia or New York to have a fun experience; you can have it right in your backyard, and that is the whole point of this complex.”

McEvilly said it won’t be long before they are able to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

“It’s been a long journey, it will be two years once we open,” she said. “It’s been a lot of heart and soul into everything.”

McEvilly said she’s just as anxious as everyone else for the center to open.

“I know people are excited; they want the doors to open,” she said. “We’re really exited to get our doors open.”

The Hofford Mill has been home to many different businesses, as the front of the building has been occupied for quite a few years with McEvilly’s parents’ business, Tommy’s Restaurant Equipment.

Tom McEvilly purchased the building in 1996, and has owned it since 2003.

He said the vision for the new business venture began in January 2018. Construction began in February.

Mauch Chunk Trust Company has helped finance the project.

Follow the project at www.thehoffordmill.com, The Hofford Mill on Facebook, @hoffordmill on Instagram or @HoffordMill on Twitter.