Betsy Ackerman
Randee Tengi
co-chairwomen
Hopewell Valley Stampede
The Hopewell Valley Stampede, the first program of the Hopewell Valley Arts Council, is a public art exhibit modeled after an idea introduced in Zurich, Switzerland in 1998. Over 800 decorated cows were placed throughout Zurich’s landscape, drawing worldwide attention and attracting thousands of local and foreign visitors.
In the spring and summer of 2014, Hopewell Valley will host its own event, when a herd of decorated oxen will roam throughout the community. The goal of the Stampede is to generate support for the Hopewell Valley Arts Council’s future programs and facilities.
As a symbol of the Valley’s agricultural heritage, teamwork, and enduring sense of community, the ox, a reminder of Hopewell Valley’s farming tradition, was chosen as the icon of the Stampede. Today, a team of oxen is still used to plow the fields and haul heavy loads at the Howell Living History Farm here in Hopewell Township, linking the present and the past.
The purpose of the Stampede is to engage our arts and business communities with the public. Ongoing events such as music festivals, public arts exhibits, culinary arts presentations and other cultural programs will promote our Valley’s heritage, engage our schools, and increase the visibility of the region’s artists and businesses. This collaboration will showcase the Valley’s exceptional talents and interests, bolstering our sense of community and inspiring residents and visitors alike to remember the past and celebrate the present.
On June13, join a growing number of involved and intrigued members of the community to learn more about the budding arts council, the Stampede, and how you can get involved! The “Olly Olly Oxen Free” kick-off party will be held at the Hopewell Valley Vineyards from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance at http://hvstampede.org. The cost is $25 for adults and $12 for children. The fee includes pizza and beverages, and entertainment by local Hopewell Valley performers including an indie vocalist, a Pulitzer winning poet and a rock duo.
Join the growing Stampede!
