Community News

The Hopewell Valley Arts Council, creators of the Hopewell Valley Stampede of 69 life-sized ox sculptures crafted by area artists and installed throughout Hopewell Valley, is on the march again, this time in partnership with Howell Living History Farm. This October, the Arts Council is bringing massive carved pumpkins to the Howell Farm 2015 Corn Maze, the largest and longest-running corn maze in New Jersey.  From October 9-11, the peak of the 8-week corn maze extravaganza, the Arts Council will mount “The aMAZing Pumpkin Carve,” an exhibition of 50 giant pumpkins, each carved and crafted by area artists and artisans, and sponsored by local businesses and residents throughout the Valley.

This weekend event for folks of all ages will launch with The aMAZing Pumpkin Preview Party, a special, adults-only ticketed event the evening of Thursday, October 8^th.  The party will include a BBQ dinner, bluegrass music, homemade ice cream, pumpkin pie, beer and wine, and an opportunity to meet the artists and sponsors, and to preview the giant pumpkins before the event opens to the public - all for $50 per person.

Beginning on Friday October 9^th, visitors throughout the weekend will be treated to a labyrinth outdoor gallery of colorful and distinctive gigantic organic sculptures immediately adjacent to the 4-acre corn maze, fun for both kids and their parents before or after stalking the corn maze. The aMAZing Pumpkin Carve will include carving demonstrations, prizes for the most distinctive creations, and surprises for the kids. Children are invited to bring a small painted or carved pumpkin to contribute to a public “pumpkin patch” – a work of art in progress throughout the weekend.  Admission is $5. Children 9 and under are free.  Hours are 5-8 on Friday the 9^th, 12-8 on Saturday the 10^th, and 12-4 on Sunday the 11^th.

For further information on all the ways to support and enjoy The aMAZing Pumpkin Carve as well as the Howell Farm 2105 Corn Maze, visit http://www.hvartscouncil.org/the-amazing-pumpkin-carve/,  www.cornmazenj.com, or www.mercercountyparks.org. 

The Hopewell Valley Arts Council is proud to cosponsor the Howell Farm 2015 Corn Maze, one of the largest and the longest running in New Jersey and to enhance it with the only major giant pumpkin exhibition in the region. The HV Arts Council is a nonprofit cultural organization dedicated to “celebrating art in the everyday” and serving all the communities in and around Hopewell Valley with a diverse annual roster of innovative arts programs and events for people of all ages and interests. For further information about upcoming council events, visit the Arts Council’s website at www.hvartscouncil.org.