28th Annual Gourmet Gala to Be at Stehli Silk Mill in Lancaster, Pa., on May 20

March 27, 2012 - PRLog -- The Stehli Silk Mill, once the largest silk mill in the United States, will be the site for the 28th Annual Gourmet Gala on Sunday, May 20, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“The Gourmet Gala is a culinary highlight for Lancaster County each year as chefs from our best restaurants prepare their specialties to the delight of those who attend,” said Steve Funk, chair of the events committee of the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County.  “Having the Gala at the Stehli Silk Mill is a real bonus because it is a true Lancaster County landmark.”

Built in 1897 by Stehli Silks Corp. of Obfelden, Switzerland, the main building is about a thousand feet long with brick walls, more than a thousand windows for natural light and 15-foot ceilings.  More than two thousand workers wove fine fabrics at the Stehli Silk Mill until 1955 when it was sold to RCA, which renovated the mill and produced picture tubes there until 1973.  More recently, the Stehli Silk Mill has been used by a silk flower company, a trucking company and as warehouse space. Developer Matthew Bupp bought the property in 2008 and has been working with partners to plan restoration and development for adaptive commercial, retail and residential reuses.

Funk said that the Gourmet Gala appeals to those with a sense of history and to those with an appetite.  Last year, garlic cheese shrimp grits was prepared by Cajuns in Exile, chicken red curry by Sa La Thai Restaurant and old-fashioned black walnut cake with maple buttter cream by Rebecca’s Heavenly Goodies. A total of 22 restaurants, four wineries, three breweries, two tea shops, a coffee purveyor and three bakeries participated in the 2011 Gala.  “Many more will be at this year’s event,” Funk added.

Tickets are $75 for members and $85 for non-members.  With a family membership for $250 or   business membership for $250 to the Preservation Trust, the member will receive two tickets to the Gala as well as discounts to other Preservation Trust events, discounts of Trust products and publications, use of the Preservation Trust library and information on trust activities.  Eight Gala tickets and special recognition come with membership at the $1,000 level.  Corporate membership at the $500 level comes with four Gala tickets.  Tickets may be obtained by contacting the Historic Preservation Trust office at 123 North Prince Street in downtown Lancaster or by calling 717-291-5861 or sending an e-mail to nancyhaubert@hptrust.org.

About the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County
Founded in 1966 to “stem the rapid destruction of historic properties in Lancaster County,” the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County’s mission is to preserve and protect Lancaster County’s rich historic and architectural character through education, advocacy and direct action. The trust has been directly involved in preserving important Lancaster County landmarks and has provided advice, assistance and guidance in the protection of others.  The trust is a member-supported, 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in the historic Sehner-Ellicott-von Hess House (circa 1787) at 123 North Prince Street in downtown Lancaster.  Visit www.hptrust.org for additional information.