HAMPDEN, Maine (WABI) - The annual “Hampden Children’s Day” event returned this year to bring community to the forefront.
Since 1979, Hampden has dedicated the second Saturday of August to “Hampden Children’s Day” a free to enter event which dedicates an entire day to family related activities.
“Here at Children’s Day, we have a bunch of wonderful things; a Black Hawk helicopter is about to land, we have free nachos, and tons of people tabling” says Volunteer Coordinator Emily Eaton.
This year’s event was kicked off with a parade at 11am, which began at Reeds Brook Middle School and ran along Main Road N, turning on Western Ave, before concluding at Hampden Academy.
Alongside first responders and various local organizations, participants in the parade included children who go to decorate their own bikes.
“I’ve never really been in one of these parades, I’ve been to parades, but I’ve never been to a giant parade. I’ve only been in the small parades, so I’m kind of excited and nervous at the same time,” says first year parade participant Sophie Ginn.
Once the parade concluded, children’s activities officially began at noon, of which included bouncy houses, face painting, a petting zoo and much more.
Children’s Day Organizers, as well as residents who volunteered in past years, say that the yearly event helps in bringing the Hampden community closer together.
“It’s a family event; it really means us all coming together, having some fun, having some great food, and making the kids happy,” says Eaton.
“Seeing my own kids joy, and they’re winning prizes and having fun, seeing their friends and running into people, and when I volunteered it was just as fun seeing that excitement, that joy, and being given something for free, and just being blessed,” says past year volunteer Faith Hale.
The event concluded at 9pm with a fireworks show.
