Other partnerships are likely to follow at the 1.3 million-square-foot complex, which will be North America’s largest, by square footage, although the company says the original Spooky Nook facility near Lancaster, Pa., will remain the largest “under one roof.”
In December, Spooky Nook announced an 18-year-old, 7-foot-3-inch NBA prospect from the Philippines whose family lives in Butler County plans to start a basketball academy at the $165 million complex.
“We were ‘wowed’ and knew we wanted to be part of Spooky Nook Champion Mill,” Sherry Hoskins, owner of the local “candle and scent bar” that makes natural candles and body products. “We are native to Hamilton and are so excited to be part of the revitalization and the big things happening in our hometown.”
Dan Bates, president and CEO of the Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, said Hoskins became interested about three years ago when she accompanied the chamber on a visit to the original Spooky Nook complex near Lancaster, Pa.
“I’m excited that local businesses are having the opportunity to not only do business from the traffic that’s going to be coming into the shops in downtown Hamilton, but to really be a partner on location in that massive facility,” Bates said. “It’s a terrific opportunity partnership.”
At the original Petals & Wicks shop on Main Street, customers already can create their own candles from start to finish, by choosing a scent, pouring the wax and creating a personalized labels on the candle jars.
With 10,000-plus athletes and their families expected to visit on some weekends, Hoskins said hers and other businesses should benefit from their visits while looking for something to do between their games and tournament events.
So far, one event has been announced for Spooky Nook next year: The Model T Ford Club International will host its 65th Model T Tour July 17-22. It likely will draw 200-plus classic vehicles, with a judged car show, driving tours and a movie night at Holiday Auto Theatre, among other events.
Observers have noted it seemed appropriate that those vehicles were being driven around Hamilton during a period when the Champion Paper mill was one of the area’s largest employers.
Spooky Nook announced this spring it has letters of intent for 32 events in 2022.
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