ABOUT EXPERIENCE HAMPTON

Our mission

To organize, promote and manage events and projects that improve quality of life and support economic vitality for residents, businesses and visitors.

Our story

Experience Hampton, Inc. (EHI) was founded in October 2010 by Hampton business owners and residents to bring back the town's Holiday Parade. Our founders were Matt Henderson, Judy DuBois, Marilyn Henderson, Desi Lanio and John Tinios. The small group quickly grew to more than 100 volunteers, and the first parade stepped off December 4, 2010. EHI has sponsored the parade every year since. We are a state-approved 501(c)(4) nonprofit governed by a volunteer board of directors.

Timeline

2010: Founded in October. First parade on December 4 with more than 100 volunteers.

2015: Completed our first major infrastructure project, a downtown pedestrian walkway near Greg's Bistro with the Experience Hampton arch, a public-private partnership and the first project of the 2020 downtown revitalization initiative.

2010–2025: 15 Holiday Parades, a town-wide Stanley Cup celebration, 10 years of Flags & Flowers tributes on Memorial Day, and downtown visibility projects.

2026: Adopted mile markers on the NH Seacoast Greenway rail trail. Welcome to Hampton sign replacements in progress.

What we support

The Holiday Parade and our annual golf tournament. Hampton Beach Key West Days and other community events. Beautification, including community banners and Welcome to Hampton signage on Route 1.

Flags & Flowers, with American flags at the Memorial Day parade and flower barrels along Route 1 in recent years.

Sponsor of Hampton Restaurant Week every year, and a partner of the Hampton Parks and Recreation Department on community events.

The Desi Scholarship Fund for Winnacunnet High School graduates, supported in part by the Desi Evening fundraiser. In 2026 the fund awarded three graduates.

Local giving to American Legion Post 35, schools, the Historical Society, the library, food and housing programs, public safety associations, and Wreaths Across America. Our first responders appreciation night with the Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce.

Funding also comes from a charitable gaming partnership at Hampton Beach.