Summer Solstice Celebration At Mercer Co.'s Brick Farm Tavern June 23

MERCER COUNTY, NJ —Celebrate the beginning of summer with gourmet food, music, an auction and more. The New Jersey Conservation Foundation will celebrate preserved land and the start of summer at a gala fundraiser at the historic Brick Farm Tavern in Hopewell, June 23.

The “Summer Solstice Celebration of the Land” event will be held outdoors under an open-air tent starting at 6:30 p.m., and will feature gourmet farm-to-table food and spirits, music, fun auctions, and summery, hand-crafted signature cocktails.

This will be the first in-person fundraiser by the nonprofit since 2018.

“We’re very excited to be able to gather in person at this fantastic venue,” Alison Mitchell, co-executive director of New Jersey Conservation Foundation, said in a statement. “We’re really looking forward to connecting with old friends, meeting new ones and celebrating preserved land throughout the state – including many special places in the Hopewell-Princeton area.”

The evening will celebrate New Jersey Conservation’s 62 years of preserving open space, parks and farmland - as well as its commitment to addressing climate change and advocating for sustainable agriculture.

The event will include live and silent auctions with unique items from local residents, entrepreneurs and artisans, including artwork, jewelry, vacations, food and drink, and staff-guided nature tours of some of the state’s preserved lands.

One popular item from previous New Jersey Conservation auctions is “A Perfect Day in New Jersey,” hosted by Dr. Emile DeVito, staff ecologist. With his expert knowledge of scenic treasures throughout the state, DeVito will create a customized adventure based on the auction winner’s interests and favorite pastimes.

Event co-chairs are Wendy Mager of Princeton, first vice president of New Jersey Conservation’s board of trustees, and Anne Wright Wilson of Hopewell.

To reserve tickets for the event, or register for the auction, visit https://Solstice2022.givesmart.com. Those who cannot attend the event can participate in the silent auction online. To learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact Erica Colace at ecolace@njconservation.org.

All proceeds from the Summer Solstice Celebration will support New Jersey Conservation’s land protection, stewardship, advocacy and urban greening work throughout the state.