A quilted autumn scene of Hopewell Elementary School created by Titusville artist Laura Warne will grace the cover of this year’s Hopewell Harvest Fair Almanac.
Warne was selected as the winner of the fair’s annual Cover Art Contest and will receive a $250 prize. Her artwork will appear on the almanac, expected to be available locally in late August.
A painter and textile artist who recently moved to Hopewell Valley, Warne trained at Carnegie Mellon University and the School of Visual Arts in New York. According to the Harvest Fair, her work is influenced by a longtime interest in quilts and historic textiles and the stories of the women who made them.
Her winning piece brings some of that history into a distinctly local scene, depicting Hopewell Elementary School in autumn and incorporating an antique lace doily passed down through Warne’s family.
The fair also recognized additional artists who entered this year’s competition, with honorable mentions appearing in the 2026 almanac.
Harvest Fair returns Sept. 19
The Hopewell Harvest Fair returns to the grounds of Hopewell Elementary School on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9:45 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The annual community tradition combines food, music, contests, children’s activities, local organizations, farmers and crafts while raising money that is distributed back into the community.
This year’s activities are expected to include pony rides, a petting zoo, scarecrow building, inflatables and games. Crafters’ Court will feature handmade goods, while the Town Square will give visitors an opportunity to meet local businesses and nonprofit organizations.
Local musicians will perform throughout the day, with the Hopewell Valley Central High School Marching Black & Gold scheduled to lead the opening ceremony.
“The Board and I are incredibly grateful for the support of our sponsors, the participation of our community, and the dedication of our volunteers who bring this event to life year after year,” Harvest Fair Board President Brendan Elliott said.
Elliott said this year’s fair will again bring together food, contests, animals, children’s activities, local businesses and nonprofit groups.
“There is truly something for everyone, so come join us!” he said.
Supporting the community beyond fair day
Money raised through the Harvest Fair supports scholarships for local students and the Hopewell Harvest Fair Community Grant Program.
According to organizers, the program has distributed more than $234,000 to local nonprofit organizations over the years. Recipients have included local Boy Scout and Girl Scout organizations, school PTOs, HomeFront, Younity, The Chubby’s Project and the Sourland Conservancy.
Leading sponsors for the 2026 fair include Morehouse Engineering, BeOne Medicines USA Inc., New Jersey American Water, TechNeed, Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, Lennar, dandelion wishes, Capital Health, Boro Neuro and The Bov Foundation.
Organizers are also seeking volunteers and additional business and organizational support ahead of the September event.
More information about the fair, volunteering and sponsorship opportunities is available through the Hopewell Harvest Fair website.
