What is "Barn(yard) Chic"?

Invitation to Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space gala

Lots of excitement is building around the upcoming FoHVOS 30th anniversary gala to be held on September 16^th at the Historic Barn of Glenmoore Farm.  

The enthusiasm is understandable.  Unlike other local fundraisers, our VIP guests will ride a hot air balloon high above Hopewell Valley to view the 7,500+ acres of land FoHVOS has preserved by partnering with landowners, government and other nonprofit organizations.

We will eagerly recognize the many who helped preserve the Valley's character through open space and farmland preservation, and natural resource protection. There will be a Ted Stiles photo montage and we honor the achievements of conservationists, leaders, & partners, working to protect land & support stewardship in the Hopewell Valley including:

Jack Gleeson Environmental Award

Patricia Sziber

Retired FoHVOS Executive Director

FoHVOS Friends Individual Recognition

Paul Pogorzelski

Hopewell Township Administrator/Engineer

FoHVOS Friends Corporate Recognition

Bristol-Myers Squibb

Finally, our auction will feature all local experiences.  Here are just a few examples: 

• A sustainable Double Brook Farm tour & Brick Farm Tavern dinner for four 
• A flight piloted by Paul Pogo around Hopewell Valley for two
• A Unionville Vineyards tour and wine-tasting for ten 
• A "Hidden Hopewell" tour led by historian David Blackwell for six 
• A surprise to be announced by our municipality mayors
• A lunch with wine & Executive Chef Assi La Ponte at Bonne Assiette for four
• A private photo session and portrait 
• and many other opportunities to experience Hopewell Valley!

So the most frequent question we have received about the evening is, "As we enjoy the locally sourced menu, live music, and other festivities, how should we be dressed?"

Our answer: Barnyard Chic

Our team wrestled with the perfect way to suggest a dress code.  "Semi-formal" may be appropriate to demonstrate ample respect for our honorees and the importance of the occasion. Yet, we need to acknowledge that we are hanging out in a barn. 

While "cocktail attire" is fine, guests probably don't want to be donning high heels on the wooden floor boards or through the gravel and grass. Yet "casual" sounded too, uh, casual.

I voiced our labeling dilemma to benevolent extraordinaire and LHT Co-Founder, Eleanor Horne, and without missing a beat she coined Barnyard Chic.

Watch for Barnyard Chic to become a thing around Hopewell Valley and remember you heard it here first!

Late Blog Addition! A reader suggested that Barnyard implies the yard where the animals are and we should call it "Barn Chic" to ensure attendees are dressed to be in an upscale barn.

Barnyard, Barn, or do you have a better idea?

In any case, I'll see you on September 16^th and look forward to seeing you in all your barn(yard) chic splendor.