CONTESTS

Count how many times the word "HOPEWELL" can be seen in any form in the Almanac.

• Plural or other forms of "HOPEWELL" count

• Capitalization is irrelevant 

• Abbreviations (e.g., "Hpwl") do NOT count

• The front and back covers of the Almanac ARE included

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​Almanacs can be found at Borough Hall, the public library and local businesses, including Boro Bean, dandelion wishes, Hopewell Pharmacy, and The Peasant Grill!

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Entry blanks will be available at the info booth at the Fair. Please stop by and fill one out no later than NOON at the Fair. One random winner will be chosen from all correct entires to win a $25 Gift Certificate generously donated from a local business.

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If you have any questions about the contest, please email contests@hopewellharvestfair.org.

Bring your four-legged friends and join us for a fun-filled doggie dress-up contest followed by the community pet parade! All who enter win a prize.

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Judging Categories 

• Funniest Costume

• Most Creative

• Best in Show

Event Schedule (times are approximate)
11 AM – Registration / lineup at the Gazebo on the Fairgrounds
11:20 AM – Judging
11:30 AM – Awards Ceremony

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Doggie Dress-up Contest Chairperson: Tess James, doggie@hopewellharvestfair.org

Photographers of all skill levels are invited to enter the Hopewell Harvest Fair 2026 photography contest. Please share your photos with our community where enthusiasm, creativity, artistry, and technical brilliance are each appreciated. We can't wait to see your work!

Awards will be presented to "14 & Under" and "15 & Up" winners in each category.

2026 Categories

• Community

• Sports/Action

• Texture

• Bloom

• From My Phone (photos taken on a phone)

Rules & Registration

• Two groups per category: "14 & Under" and "15 & Up."

• Maximum of 5 total entries per participant, up to 2 entries per category.

• Deadline for digital entries is September 14. Please register and upload your full-resolution photo(s) here or email full-resolution images to photo@hopewellharvestfair.org. Submitted photos will be printed in 5"x7" (matte) size for presentation at the Fair. Please include your name, age group, and category. 

• Hard-copy entries can be either submitted on the day of the Fair between 9:30–10 AM at the Contest Pavilion, OR dropped off at Dandelion Wishes, 45 West Broad St, Hopewell, during regular business hours by September 16. Call the store or check their website for up-to- date hours: 609-460-9963 or www.dandelionwishes.shop.

• Entries should include participant's name, age, category, and contact details.

• Ribbons and Prizes (gift cards) will be awarded at 1 PM.

Photo Pickup

• Photos can be picked up from 3:45–4:15 PM in the Contest Pavilion on the day of the Fair.

• Photos not picked up at the Fair will be available for pickup at Dandelion Wishes during regular business hours (see above).

• Photos not picked up by November 1 may be regretfully discarded.

Photography Contest Chairperson: Alicja Maja Batog, photo@hopewellharvestfair.org

Calling all bakers: Do you have an epic fall recipe? Bring a batch to the Harvest Fair and be a part of our very own local bake-off.

Check out the 2026 categories and start practicing!
Not a baker? No worries. Come to the Contest Tent between 10:30–11:30 AM and vote for the "People's Choice Award." After 11:30 AM, remaining portions will be sold for $1 per serving.

Register online here by September 13, 2026.

2026 Categories 

• Kids: Trick or treat! Make a tasty dessert that incorporates your favorite candy.

• Teens: Apple-y ever after! Make your favorite apple-flavored dessert.

• Adults: Let's give 'em PUMPKIN to talk about! Make your favorite pumpkin flavored treat.

• Vegan: Spice, spice baby! Make your favorite vegan dessert packed with the spiced flavors of autumn.

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Judging criteria include taste, appearance, and originality in the following categories:

• Best in Category

• Best in Show (Adults/Kids)

• People's Choice Award (Adults/Kids)

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Prizes (gift cards) will be awarded by 12 PM.

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Guidelines

• All entries must be brought to 12 Columbia Ave. in the Borough on Friday, September 18 between the hours of 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM (if this is not feasible, contact bake off@hopwellharvestfair.org to arrange other accommodations)

• One entry per person, please.

• Use disposable (preferably compostable/recyclable) containers or reusable containers (to be picked up at the end of the Fair), labeled with your name and category.

• No refrigeration is available.

• If you have any questions about the quantity to bring, email bake-off@hopewellharvestfair.org. Some general guidance is to bring one complete, intact cake/loaf, or a dozen cookies, cupcakes, muffins, etc.

• Most importantly, have fun and get creative!​

Bake-Off Contest Chairperson: Matt Haines, bake-off@hopewellharvestfair.org

Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. Online registration form here.

Judging Categories:

• Preschool through Grade 1

• Grades 2–4

• Grades 5–8

• Grades 9–12

Suggested Themes:

• "Mythical Creatures" Dragons, unicorns, cyclops, mermaids – if it's magical or legendary, bring it to life! Let your imagination run wild with no limits.

• "World Around Us – Large & Small" From a tiny bug's wings to the vast starry sky, celebrate the wonder of nature big and small. Zoom in close or zoom way out – what will you create?

Artwork Guidelines

• Artwork must be unframed (max. size of 36" on any side).

• 2D artwork only. (This includes drawing, painting, pastels, charcoal, digital art, photography, collage, etc.) Collage may include 3-dimensional elements, but the artwork must be able to be hung vertically without falling apart.

• Please note that this is an outdoor event; we cannot guarantee the "safety" of the artwork but will handle all entries very carefully.

• Limit 2 entries per person, per theme.

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​Rules and Registration​​

• Pre-registration is encouraged, or you may fill out a registration form when you drop off your submission. Online registration form here.

• A short explanation or story submitted with your creation is welcomed!

• All entries must be submitted on the day of the Fair between 9:30–10 AM at the Contest Pavilion.

• Prizes will be awarded by 12 PM.

• All creations should be picked up from the Contest Pavilion between 3:45–4:15 PM. 

• Artwork that is not picked up will be available for pickup at Dandelion Wishes at 45 West Broad St. during regular business hours. Call the store at 609-460-9963 or check the website www.dandelionwishes.shop for up-to-date hours. Artwork not picked up by November 1, may be regretfully discarded.

• Contests are open to all preschool and school aged children, including those who are in public and private schools, and home-schooled.

Kids' Art Contest Chairperson: Clair Ransom, kidsart@hopewellharvestfair.org

Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. Online registration form here.

Judging Categories

• Preschool/Pre-K

• Grades K–2

• Grades 3–5

• Grades 6–12

LEGO Guidelines

• All LEGO projects must be submitted on a sturdy base no larger than 18" x 24".

• The use of LEGO kits is discouraged. A masterpiece may include a kit construction, but cannot be made solely of a pre-packaged kit.

• Please do not include any valuable or rare figures or parts; we cannot guarantee the security of all pieces.

• All skill levels are encouraged to participate!

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LEGO Rules and Registration

• Pre-registration is encouraged, or you may fill out a registration form when you drop off your submission. Online registration form here.

• A short explanation or story submitted with your creation is welcomed!

• LEGO entries must be submitted on the day of the Fair between 9:30–10 AM at the Contest Pavilion.

• Please label all creations with the artists name, age, grade, title, and date.

• Prizes (gift cards) will be awarded by 12 PM.

• All creations should be picked up from the Contest Pavilion between 3:45–4:15 PM.

• LEGO creations must be picked up at the Fair, or they will be discarded.

• Contests are open to all preschool and school-aged children, including those who are in public and private schools, and homeschooled.

LEGO Contest Chairperson: Molly Sharlach, LEGO@hopewellharvestfair.org

The Hopewell Grown contest is out harvesting baskets of fruit & veggies. Look for it to return in 2027 with a veritable cornucopia!

Freddy has skipped town this year to go fishing with his friends. To make sure Freddy finds his way back from the fishing trip, please help the Harvest Fair find someone to organize the scavenger hunt in 2027!