By Theresa Knapp

The purpose of the Hopedale Cultural Council is to enrich the cultural life of the town. Each municipality in Massachusetts has a cultural council which is funded by the state and run by town residents. 

“”We promote a lot of activities for the community like the Summer Band Concert Series, the Hopedale Day in the Park festival, and the awarding of grants that support local artists and musicians,” says Billi Manning, chairperson of the HCC. “And when we award grants, we have a preference for programs that will take place in Hopedale.” 

In the past, the HCC has awarded grants to cover the cost of programs in the schools, at the public library, and beyond. Hopedale’s annual allocation is approximately $6,000 and is based on population and equalized property values, according to www.massculturalcouncil.org. 

Manning says the local cultural council is always looking for new members, noting members do a lot of the council work remotely, and they meet just a few times a year (as needed), including the grant meeting in the fall.  

For information on joining the Hopedale Cultural Council, contact Manning through the town website www.hopedale-ma.gov/hopedale-cultural-council, email [email protected], or attend the group’s next meeting on Aug. 1 at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall. 

Summer Band Concert Series - July

Each year, in partnership with the Hopedale Park Department, the HCC sponsors the Summer Band Concerts. This year’s July performers include 4EverFab: Beatles Tribute Band; Fantasy Big Band (swing to contemporary): and Southbound Train (contemporary country). 

“The food trucks are something new this year,” says Manning. “Some residents asked for them, so we’re giving it a try.” 

Trucks will be parked on Dutcher Street near the playground, and will feature one truck per concert to include Methods of a Madwoman (“eclectic delectable edible concoctions”); or The Caribbean Press (“a taste of the Caribbean in a plate or sandwich”). 

As in past years, the traditional concession stand will offer beverages and other snacks for purchase. The Boy Scouts will be selling pizza. 

At 8 p.m. each evening, the HCC will choose one winner to receive a (donated) $20 gift card from a local business such as The Coffee Bar, Dairy Queen, Hens and Chicks Cookie Company, and JJ’s Ice Cream Shoppe. Attendees can register at the HCC concession stand for a chance to win; tickets are free but you must be present to win. 

Hopedale Day in the Park - Sept. 23 

This year’s Hopedale Day in the Park will take place on Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

In addition to awarding grants, the HCC can also receive grants. This year, it has been awarded a $2,500 grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Festivals and Grants Program which will help offset costs associated with this year’s festival. 

The annual family-friendly event includes entertainment, food, craftspeople, community groups, and more. This year’s entertainment will include music, dancing, games, and more with DJ Mike Rutkowski; painting miniature figures with the Jolly Good Giant; a petting zoo with Animal Craze; snakes, lizards, etc., with Rainforest Reptiles; and more. 

“High school students and civic organizations will also set up games and fundraisers,” says Manning. “It has a fun, carnival atmosphere.” To view a past event, visit bit.ly/HopedaleDayInThePark2015. 

Juried art show, new student category 

Hopedale Day in the Park includes a juried art show for adults, and this year will also include a new student category. The art show will be set up in a tent on the tennis courts.

Adults

Adult categories include mixed media, oil acrylic, pastels, and photography. Adult submissions should be no larger than 16 inches by 20 inches, and should be ready to hang on wall panels. There is no stated theme for adults. Adults can enter up to three pieces, one of which can be a Purchase Prize (see below). Students’ Theme: Nature & the Environment 

New this year is a student category. Manning explained that, in the past, the HCC sponsored a student art exhibit as part of Hopedale’s Winter Stroll, but they have not held it since the COVID-19 pandemic began. This seemed like a natural way to bring it back.  

There are two student categories - grades K-5 and grades 6-12 - and student work should reflect this year’s student theme: “Nature & the Environment.” Student submissions should be no larger than 16 inches by 20 inches, and should be ready to hang on wall panels. Student submissions are limited to the first 20 entries. 

All entries will be judged by Boston artist, and Hopedale High School graduate, Iris Marcus, who has juried the event in the past. Ribbons and cash prizes will be awarded. 

Purchase Prize

Marcus has donated a Purchase Prize which will be available for purchase. Manning says the unframed print is approximately 28 inches by 28 inches and will have a price of $350 ($300 of which will go to the artist, and $50 will go to the HCC). Manning says the print would be ideal for a local business or resident who has ample wall space. 

Other participating artists can donate a Purchase Prize as one of their three entries; it would be sold on the same terms. 

Applications for the art show will be available on the Hopedale Cultural Council’s town website after July 15. Vendor forms will also be available at that time. Sponsor letters have been sent out but additional sponsors are needed.