Hampton Comes Together to Celebrate a 'Great' Place to Live

Hampton was filled with plenty of laughs, cheers, good music and food Saturday as hundreds came out to Tuck Field to celebrate Hampton's 375th anniversary.

One day after rain limited the opening festivities of the three-day event to about 150 participants, droves of longtime residents and young families came out to party and enjoy some of the activities, businesses and people that have enriched the seaside town's long history.

Residents also got a chance to interact with a variety of public officials on a whole new level, as paying just $1 gave some locals their long-awaited opportunity to stick it to selectmen — all in good fun, of course.

Selectmen Chairman Dick Nichols, shown in the video above, as well as U.S. Sen. Nancy Stiles, State Rep. Chris Muns, and Selectmen Mike Pierce and Phil Bean were among the victims of the dunk tank, one of the day's most visited attractions.

Pierce was the popular target for many, and the outspoken selectman said he expected it.

"Maybe they should've charged double for me," joked Pierce, who went in wearing a suit and tie because he felt he had to "look the part" in order to really make it worth the money for residents. 

Other highlights Saturday included Civil and Revolutionary war reenactments, a an antique car show and a softball game between members of the Hampton Police and Fire departments. The game was just for fun, although there was plenty of good-natured ribbing between the teams and their fans.

The video above captures some of the sights and sounds from the celebration.

A variety of other activities are planned in celebration of Hampton's 375th anniversary. More information about those activities can be found here.