HOPEWELL HAPPENINGS

City of Hopewell Communications

Wednesday September 30, 2026

Thirty years of running, recreation and community spirit were on display as the City of Hopewell celebrated the 30th anniversary of the City Point Races, with this year’s event seeing an impressive increase in participation.

The 2026 City Point Races welcomed 226 registered race participants, an increase of more than 20 percent over the previous year. Participation grew across each race category, with the 10K increasing by 20 percent, the 5K by nearly 20 percent, and the mobility quarter-mile doubling seeing partcipation for the first time!

This year’s races included 18 participants in the 10K, 207 in the 5K and one participant in the mobility quarter-mile. The event also brought out Hopewell’s youngest runners, with 155 children participating in the Kids Fun Run and 24 taking part in the Kinder Dash.

“We couldn’t be more excited or more grateful,” said Tabitha Martinez, Director of Recreation and Parks. “Reaching 30 years is an achievement in itself, but seeing our community rally behind us with such energy and support makes this anniversary truly unforgettable.”

The milestone event was made possible with support from community partners, including John Randolph Foundation, which sponsored the Kids Fun Run and Kinder Dash, and Tri-Cities Road Runners, a longtime race partner. Local school advocates, volunteers, families and participants also played an important role in making the 30th anniversary celebration a success.

After three decades, the City Point Races continue to bring generations of Hopewell residents and visitors together while encouraging recreation, wellness and community connection. With participation continuing to grow, this longtime Hopewell tradition is heading into its next chapter with plenty of momentum.

Hopewell Resource and Community Day Connects Residents with Services

Hopewell Department of Social Services and Crater Health District brought the community together in a big way on September 9, 2026, during the Hopewell Resource and Community Day; an afternoon dedicated to connection, resources, family fun, and community partnership.

The event opened with a warm welcome from Hopewell Department of Social Services Director Mrs. Wanda Williams, who greeted residents, partners, and participating organizations and helped kick off an afternoon focused on serving the community.

With more than 70 vendors and community partners in attendance, residents had access to an impressive range of resources and services all in one location. Participating organizations represented areas including financial assistance, housing, employment and education, mental health, health and wellness, family support, and many other community needs.

Throughout the event, emcees representing Social Services and Crater Health District kept attendees informed and engaged, sharing information about available services, giveaways, and activities taking place across the event. Families were able to take advantage of free health screenings, fresh produce, shoe and clothing giveaways, community resources, free raffles, and prizes throughout the afternoon and evening.

The impact of the event was significant. The JJ Heart Foundation reported serving 85 families and 229 single members of the community, demonstrating the level of need, participation, and support present throughout the day.

Beyond the variety of organizations represented, the event gave residents a convenient opportunity to connect directly with service providers, ask questions, learn about available programs, and build relationships that could continue well beyond the day of the event.

Bringing so many partners together in one location made it easier for individuals and families to explore support options and discover services they may not have known were available.

The afternoon was not only informative, it was fun.

A lively DJ kept the crowd dancing with music for all ages, while food trucks served delicious options throughout the event. Children enjoyed a dedicated Kids Zone filled with a variety of activities designed to keep them entertained while parents and caregivers explored resources and connected with community partners.

Raffles and prizes were given away throughout the evening, adding even more excitement and giving families another reason to stay, participate, and enjoy the festivities.

The Hopewell Resource and Community Day was truly a family-friendly event, welcoming residents of all ages and creating an atmosphere where people could receive valuable information, build connections, enjoy good food and music, and simply spend time together as a community.

Most importantly, the event reflected a simple message: Hopewell DSS is listening.

The community asked for more opportunities to access resources in a welcoming, convenient, and family-centered environment, and Hopewell DSS answered.

Because of the overwhelming support and positive response, the Hopewell Resource and Community Day will now become an annual event.

Hopewell DSS is already looking ahead to next year and is excited about the opportunity to continue growing the event, expanding partnerships, and bringing even more resources and opportunities to the community.



The first Hopewell Resource and Community Day may be over, but this is only the beginning.

Blue Devils Riding Three Game Win Streak

Invest Hopewell: New Business Loan Program Supports Growth and Investment

Hopewell businesses have a new resource to help turn plans for growth and investment into reality.

The Hopewell Economic Development Authority (EDA) has launched the Invest Hopewell Business Loan Program, a new financing tool designed to support existing businesses, attract new investment, and help move economic development projects forward throughout the City.

The program provides financing opportunities for eligible businesses currently operating in Hopewell or planning to locate in the City. Funding may support projects such as property acquisition, building renovations and expansions, site improvements, machinery and equipment purchases, infrastructure improvements, and other qualifying business investments.

“The Invest Hopewell Business Loan Program gives us another tool to work directly with businesses that are ready to invest and grow in our community,” said Tavorise Marks, Chairman of the Hopewell EDA. “Every project is different, and this program gives the EDA the flexibility to consider financing opportunities that can help businesses move projects forward while generating meaningful economic benefits for Hopewell.”

Invest Hopewell is designed to supplement, rather than replace, traditional financing, helping businesses address funding gaps that may stand between a promising project and implementation.

When the EDA provides financing directly using its own funds, loans will carry an interest rate between Prime rate and Prime rate minus 2%. For projects requiring outside funding, rates will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Loan amounts and repayment terms will also be tailored to the individual project and financing request.

Applications will be evaluated based on factors such as financial feasibility, repayment capacity, available collateral, private investment, job creation or retention, and the overall economic benefit to Hopewell.

Interested in investing, expanding, or bringing your business to Hopewell? The City of Hopewell Department of Economic Development & Tourism is available to discuss your project and determine whether the Invest Hopewell Business Loan Program may be a good fit.

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