Hampton Band Holiday Extravaganza returns after covid hiatus

After having to cancel last year due to covid, the Hampton Band Holiday Extravaganza returns Dec. 4.

“It’s our biggest fundraiser of the year,” said Deb Brady, a Hampton band parent volunteer. “The proceeds go to the entire district band program, from fourth grade to 12th grade.” It’s set 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hampton High School.

For the kids, activities include a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and a choice of two make-and-take crafts.

Children’s tickets are $5 and accompanying adults $2. The best way to guarantee a ticket for any of the events is to sign up early on the Hampton Band’s website, as tickets are limited.

A Cookie Walk will be set up in one section of the school. Buyers will be provided with a container at the beginning of the walk and will be able to choose from a huge selection of cookies baked by band parents. At the end of the walk, containers will be weighed, and customers will be charged by the pound.

“People show up really early for just for the Cookie Walk,” said Brady.

Performances by the fifth and eighth grade bands, as well as the Hampton High School Wind Ensemble, will take place throughout the day.

There will be a holiday market with more than 80 vendors. The “Band Dads” will have a café open with food options like Chick-Fil-A sandwiches, pizza and pulled pork sandwiches. Vendors may only accept cash or check so bring your wallets.

“This is a tremendous community event that benefits band programs,” said high school band director Chad Himmler. “The event is incredibly important to the health of the band program as the proceeds help to provide music, instruments, instructors, equipment and props for the various bands throughout the school district, including the marching band.”

“The music educators are amazing,” said Brady, “They just do so much for the kids and it’s such a great program because it is so important to the kids.” She has two sons in the Hampton Band program, Logan, a seventh grader and Brooks, who is in 11th grade and is one of the drum majors this year.

Raffles will also be held throughout the day for baskets and cookies. “We hope to see as many people as possible at the event this year,” said Himmler.

Covid protocols will be followed. Social distancing will be in place, all attendees and volunteers will be required to wear masks and cookie table volunteers will also be wearing gloves.