Warren County’s longest reigning Candidates Night, hosted by the Hope Area Chamber of Commerce, takes place once again this year on Wednesday Oct. 11 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Inn at Millrace Pond in Hope.

Invited candidates include those vying for State Senate and State Assembly in the 24^th District, Warren County Freeholder, Warren County Clerk, and Hope Township Committee.

Among the candidates this year: incumbent Republican freeholder Rick Gardner is up against Democrat Carol Cook. On the Assembly side, it’s Republican incumbent Parker Space, and Republican Harold Wirths, who is running for a first term, with Kate Matteson and Gina Trish representing the Democrats. For State Senate incumbent Republican Steve Oroho and Democrat Jennifer Hamilton. Republican Holly Mackey is up for Warren County Clerk along with Iris Perrot on the Democratic side. Republican Terry Urfer is running for Hope Township committee. No Democrat is running.

The event is free and open to the public and begins promptly at 6 p.m. Food and beverages are available for purchase.

The unique forum is not a political debate. Rather, each candidate will have five minutes to state their positions on issues that are important to them and what their goals will be should they be elected. Following the presentations, the candidates will then be available to answer questions individually from those in attendance. The Hope Chamber has been hosting the Candidate Nights for 30 years. The forum has become the only opportunity for the general public to hear and speak to this many candidates at any one time during the election season.

The Inn at Millrace Pond is conveniently located off Route 80, Exit 12, 313 Johnsonburg Road.

For more information about the chamber and its varied events, call 908-459-5100 or visit www.hopeareachamber.com.