It is indeed the destination for white-water rafting, kayaking, biking, and yes, coffee.

This weekend marks the highly anticipated grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Lehighton Outdoor Center — Home of Jim Thorpe River Adventures and Northeast PA Kayak School.

The celebration features an open house and ribbon-cutting at the facility, located at 123 Lehigh Drive just off Sgt. Stanley Hoffman Boulevard. There will also music, light snacks and beverages, raffles and more.

Owner Jerry McAward said the Lehighton Outdoor Center is the new home of Jim Thorpe River Adventures and Northeast PA Kayak School.

McAward said he has high hopes for the more than 11,000-square-foot outdoor center for rafting and biking, complete with a kayaking school.

“From the first meeting with Lehighton’s borough Manager Nicole Beckett, we felt welcomed here,” McAward said. “We learned a lot along the way. Most of all, we learned just how many people wanted to see this project succeed.”

McAward said the facility consists of a small cafe, bike shop, kayak/paddling shop and of course everything around the kayak school and the rafting company activities.

“The challenges were many, but at each one there was someone with a solution, a smile and an encouraging word,” he said.

McAward said the center will provide a variety of adventure levels for adults, as well as kids and their families, such as biking, kayaking, a kayak school and eventually cross-country ski rentals.

“I have the honor of working with some of the finest people I know — river guides, kayak instructors, bike guides, and people who are simply outstanding human beings,” he said. “Every one of these people helped guide this project to its completion. You know who you are.”

The facility will employ about 120 people, and remain open year-round, McAward said.

“We will work diligently to be a positive force, for the local economy, for adults and for our young people,” he said. “We believe in the environment we create for people of all ages.”

McAward said they look forward to succeeding at their new locale, as well as earning the respect of the community.

“My co-workers and I work hard to build a positive memory and a maximum experience for everyone who chooses to join us,” he said. “The vehicles for all that fun and positive energy are rafts, kayaks, bikes, and yes, great coffee.”

McAward added, “We’re all about the real experience over contrived experience.”

“We link the outdoor experience to people — moms, dads, sons, daughters, family, friends and new acquaintances,” he said. “That’s what we do best.”

McAward said that as a company of people, they have years of fun ahead of them.

“For me, I am filled with gratitude for the chance to be able to do this,” he said. “Our sincere hope is that The Lehighton Outdoor Center will have a positive effect on townspeople, visitors, and our town, Lehighton, Pennsylvania.”