HILLSDALE, N.J.——The Hillsdale Education Foundation (HEF) will host its lively, lovely Fourth Annual Hillsdale Music and Arts Festival on Sunday, June 8, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Beechwood Park. The event is open to the public and celebrates the creative talents of Hillsdale’s K–8 student community through live music, dance, and visual art.
The family-friendly festival will feature student performances scheduled throughout the day, as well as art exhibits from George G. White Middle School, Meadowbrook Elementary School, and Ann Blanche Smith Elementary School.
HEF (HEFNJ.com) organizers say they are working closely with school art teachers to ensure student artwork is displayed prominently throughout the park.
This year’s event will also include food and craft vendors, as well as free face painting for children.
“Our events are community-based and shine a light on the talents of our students,” said Carolyn A. Amores, interim president of the Hillsdale Education Foundation. “We’re proud to create space for students to share what they’ve been working on and for families to come together in support of our schools.”
HEF is a nonprofit, community-based organization that raises funds for enrichment programs and classroom technology at Hillsdale’s three K–8 public schools. The foundation awards grants based on teacher proposals and demonstrated needs, with funding since 2009 supporting more than 40 programs totaling over $40,000. Initiatives have included LEGO robotics, early literacy programs, gardening projects, iPads for music classes, WeatherBug stations, and voice recorders for foreign language learners.
In addition to the Music and Arts Festival, HEF organizes Discover Hillsdale — Restaurant Week and the Hike for Hillsdale. Restaurant Week, launched last year, partners with local businesses while raising funds for school programs—generating a $1,000 donation to Hillsdale schools in its first year. The Hike for Hillsdale, traditionally held in spring at Sapienza Gardens, was not held this year due to scheduling conflicts but is expected to return in 2026.
Amores said that after a period of uncertainty last year, HEF has reorganized under new leadership — backing her are Swetha Chamala as secretary and Stephanie Grein as treasurer — and is seeking sponsors and volunteers to support its work in the 2025–2026 school year.
“Our goal is to continue building relationships with business sponsors and volunteers. Without them, none of this would be possible,” Amores said.
To volunteer, sponsor, or participate in the June 8 Music and Arts Festival write schamala.hef@gmail.com or camores.hef@gmail.com.