All kinds of kid fun

A parade, magic and more at annual festival

The family event of the summer, the annual Hampton Beach Children’s Festival, starts Monday, Aug. 16, with all kinds of fun, free events happening through Friday, Aug. 20.

“It is very exciting to be able to host it this year,” said Intern Event Coordinator Makayla Heintzelman. “I was supposed to be the coordinator last year, but everything got canceled with Covid, so this has been about a two-year process for me. I’m very excited to be part of it.”

Each day of the festival features non-stop activity and entertainment, including everything from mini golf, magic shows, and dancing to storytellers, face-painting, balloons and more.

There will also be free Hoodsie Cups handed out by the Hampton Beach lifeguards this year.

“It is great because kids will get free ice cream, but they also get to interact with the lifeguards,” said Heintzelman. “Just being able to see all the kids come out and interact with all the entertainers and activities we have will be the best part of this festival.”

Each day’s activities build up to a giant costume parade that marches nearly the length of Hampton Beach on Friday at 11 a.m. Children do not need to pre-register for the parade.

“Just show up at Hampton Beach State Park, and kids can select their costumes and keep them,” said Heintzelman, noting that the parade is focused on ages 12 and under. “A parent or guardian can walk with them.”

The parade route is Hampton State Park to the Sea Shell Stage. The parade itself will last about an hour, at which time children will receive a prize and get to go on stage. Afterward, there will be a costume contest with separate prizes for the winners.

“There will then be pictures with Santa at the store Sand & Santa,” she added.

All festival activities are free and open to the public.

“Besides everything that week being free, everyone is super excited that everything is open unlike last year,” said Heintzelman. “We are just excited to have things in full swing and open and for people to be able to interact with one another like they have done in years past.”

Noting they are not entirely sure how many people will be attend this year, she said their best guess is about 100 kids each day. Regardless of exact numbers, she said she personally expects to have a great time.

“Right now, my favorite part of this festival is just being able to work with a good group of people,” she said. “I have received amazing guidance to help me be successful and make sure everything will run smoothly.”

Schedule of Events

Monday, Aug. 16

10 a.m. – BJ Hickman Magic Show

11 a.m. – Rainbow Sand Art

Face painting by Linda – line ends at 12:30 p.m.

noon – Hampton Beach Casino daily raffle

12:30 p.m. – O’Shea Irish Dance School

1 p.m. – presentation by Hampton Beach lifeguards

3 p.m. – New Hampshire Academy of Performing Arts

dusk – Movie Night on the Beach: Moana (weather permitting)

Tuesday, Aug. 17

10 a.m. – magician juggler Robert Clarke

11 a.m. – Blue Ocean Society sea-themed craft

Face painting by Linda – line ends at 1:30 p.m.

noon – Hampton Beach Casino daily raffle

Free mini golf at Buc’s Lagoon – sign up at the Beach Information Center by noon

3 p.m. – Touch-a-Hampton Truck, explore a fire truck, police car and more

Wednesday, Aug. 18

10 a.m. – tap dance and percussion performance by DrumatiX

11 a.m. – games on the beach with OfftheWallKidz

Face painting by Linda – line ends at 1:30 p.m.

noon – Hampton Beach Casino daily raffle

12:30 p.m. – free ice cream with Hampton Beach lifeguards

1:30 p.m. – fish printing with Explore the Ocean

3 p.m. – hula hoop performance with the Little Legume

9:30 p.m. – Hampton Beach fireworks

Thursday, Aug. 19

10 a.m. – Fran Flynn, Magician Extraordinaire

noon – Hampton Beach Casino daily raffle

1 p.m. – Wayne from Maine; musical singalong

2 p.m. – UNH’s the Little Red Wagon presents We’re Better Together

3 p.m. – performance by the International Red Star Twirlers

Friday, Aug. 20

10:15 a.m. – parade participants meet at the Hampton Beach State South: wear your best costume or choose from one provided for the parade

11 a.m. – children’s costume parade: come see the Roaming Railroad

noon – grand finale at the Seashell Stage – every child receives a prize

1 p.m. – pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Sand & Santa

—‌ Rob Levey

Photo credit: Train Ride at prior Children’s Festival.

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