News

Sep 29, 2023

Hampton Falls NH 300th: Home Run Derby, Kids Field Day, Budweiser Clydesdale horses and more

HAMPTON FALLS — The town is celebrating its 300th anniversary next week through

HAMPTON FALLS — The town is celebrating its 300th anniversary next week through a number of fun events, including a Home Run Derby, Kids Field Day and a parade featuring the Budweiser Clydesdale horses.

Tricentennial events run primarily from Sunday, July 31 through Saturday, Aug. 8.

A complete calendar of the activities is available on the Hampton Falls Historical Society website, which also accommodates registration, the purchase of tickets and 300th celebratory souvenirs.

The festivities kick off Sunday, July 31 with opening ceremonies starting at 2 p.m., featuring a Patriot Fife and Drum Duo and a time capsule opening.

The Parks and Recreation Committee is hosting the Home Run Derby on Sunday, July 31.

The event will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. at Governor Weare Park.

There will be multiple home run lines painted on the field designating home run distances that will be age appropriate. Each participant will have a certain number of swings in the first round of play. Judges will determine how many home runs were hit. At the end of the first round, the top home run hitters will move to the second round.

This process will continue until two finalists are competing for the "Hampton Falls Home Run Champion."

The Hampton Falls Volunteer Fire Department hosts a "Family Night BBQ at the FireHouse," starting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2.

Grilled chicken, sides, desserts and beverages will be served. The department will also be showcasing historical equipment, the famous Siren, and other memorabilia.

The event will be followed by the dedication of the Tricentennial Tree, a tri-colored beech tree planted between the library and the safety building.

There will be a rare historic beer tasting for brew aficionados at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 3 at the Town Hall.

Mark Chag, beer historian, will team up with Czar's Brewery founder Henry Hankovich, to highlight the history of beer in the lives of early Hampton Falls residents.

The evening includes tasting beers blended as they were in 1700 and 1800.

"At the end of the evening, Henry Hankovich, the owner of Czar Brewery, will uncask the 300th Anniversary Brew, made with a recipe from George Washington," said Tricentennial Committee member Ward Dilmore.

Tickets are $70 and are limited to 100.

Hop on the trolley for a narrated live tour of historical sites around Hampton Falls.

You’ll hear some amazing stories associated with the streets, homes and neighborhoods that you pass by every day.

You will need to register to ensure your seat on the trolley at one of their four tours.

Tours begin at Lincoln Akerman School. They will be held Monday, Aug. 1 at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. and Thursday, Aug. 4 at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Kids on the Common will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 5.

This is a fun and educational event for children and families. Children will visit stations to enjoy learning about the town of Hampton Falls. Children can check in at each station and receive a stamp in their Hampton Falls Through History Passport. Lots of fun activities. Native Americans in the Hampton Falls area will be the subject of a talk and drumming circle led by members of the Abenaki Nation and the University of New Hampshire.

There will also be a petting zoo, face painting, crafts and games like corn hole, ring toss and other historical fun games.

Mary Ann Esposito of PBS's "Ciao Italia" fame, and her husband, Guy, will present "In Vino Veritas" at 7:30 p.m., Friday. Aug. 5 at Town Hall.

Although known for her expertise in Italian cooking, Esposito's theme is to use food to connect with one's community and past. Her husband will discuss wines and Esposito will answer questions.

Tickets are $90 for members of the Hampton Falls Historical Society and $110 for non-members.

Each ticket holder will receive a collectible 300th-anniversary wooden wine box with a red or white wine chosen by Mary Ann, along with a guide map of the wine regions of Italy. There will also be drawings for Ciao Italia aprons signed by the chef and lots of other gifts.

A closing ceremony, time capsule dedication, and parade with the famous Budweiser Clydesdale horses are scheduled for noon time on Saturday, Aug. 6.

Members of the Tricentennial Committee worked for years to organize a fun week for their community that's filled with family and unique events. The committee includes Louise Vance and Judy Haskell, co-secretaries; treasurer Glenn Johnson; members Dilmore, Kathy Dittami, Linda Savoy, Karen Moura, Susan Porcelli, Linda Keen and Gisela Manna, along with Selectmen Ed Beattie and Lou Gargiulo.