The 37th Annual Hopewell Harvest Fair brought the community together on Saturday for a day of fun, food, and festivities under clear skies and beautiful fall weather. Families, neighbors, and friends filled the grounds of Hopewell Elementary School to enjoy one of Hopewell Valley’s favorite traditions.
The volunteer-run fair featured favorites like pony rides, a petting zoo put together by 4-H, children’s games, face painting, and live entertainment under the big tent. Local farmers and food vendors showcased their goods, while contests such as the bake-off, kids’ art, photography, and the ever-popular doggie dress-up brought extra excitement.
And the students, staff, and former staff gathered outside Hopewell Elementary to run tours throughout the day to celebrate the school’s 100th anniversary.
Music and Entertainment Under the Tent
The stage ran all day with a full lineup of local talent, from the Hopewell Valley Regional High School Black & Gold Band at opening to folk-rock singer-songwriter Gabe Parsons closing out the afternoon. Performers included a Rockcital that featured various students from the middle school and high school, Mike & Laura, Dan Kassel and Greg Merkel, James Popik and Supernova, the Jack Furlong Quartet, and Castle Lane.
Food, Farmers, and Shopping
Visitors had plenty of ways to eat, shop, and support local businesses and nonprofits:
- Food Vendors: America’s Kettle Corn, Aunt Martha’s Funnel Cakes, Catalina Empanadas/Hopewell Presbyterian Church, Nomad Pizza, Frank’s Italian Ices, and many more.
- Farmers Market: Local farms including Fairgrown Farm, Wildflower Farm, Zell’s Farm, and Our Farm by the Creek.
- Crafters: Dozens of artisans offered handmade goods ranging from pottery, jewelry, and soaps to caricatures, crochet, and custom art.
- Town Square: Dozens of local organizations and businesses connected with residents, from the Hopewell Museum, Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space, and Sourland Conservancy to Capital Health, HomeFront, local schools, and small businesses including MercerMe.
A Community Tradition That Gives Back
Since its founding in 1987, the Harvest Fair has donated more than $225,000 to local nonprofit organizations through its grant program. Many of those groups were present in Town Square, reinforcing the fair’s mission of building community while supporting local causes.
Organizers credited the hundreds of volunteers and local sponsors who make the fair possible each year. “Every activity and event at the Fair has been organized by a volunteer,” the board noted.
For more information, visit hopewellharvestfair.org. And check out lots of photos from fair below. Photos by Seth Siditsky
