News Flash

July 18, 2023 - Hampton was named one of 10 All-America Cities this year because of our extensive community engagement and input, especially with young people. Because this is a community award, not just a government award, the community is invited to join in many celebrations of this national award. 

Hampton Heat race, Saturday, July 22, at Langley Speedway. The Hampton Heat is the largest stock car race of the year in Hampton Roads and features the Mid-Atlantic's best drivers competing to win $10,000 in a 200-lap showdown. The city sponsors the Hampton Heat and will offer giveaways and special presentations to celebrate the All-America designation. Racing will begin at 7 p.m. for the Late Models, Super Streets, UCars and Legends. Larry King Law’s Langley Speedway is located at 11 Dale Lemonds Drive. Because the race is so popular, visitors may want to park at Virginia Peninsula Community College, 525 Butler Farm Road, and take the shuttle bus. Information: https://langley-speedway.com/

Groovin’ by the Bay: All America Style, Sunday, Aug. 27, at Mill Point Park downtown. For the final concert of the season, get into the All-America groove with a special evening featuring old-fashioned carnival games, prizes and treats, followed by an All-America fireworks show over the Hampton River. Bring a lawn chair and settle in to enjoy Soul Intent, a high-energy funk and soul horn band playing hit music from the ’60s and ’70s. Runs from 5-9:30 p.m. with fireworks at 9:15 p.m.  Mill Point Park, 100 Eaton Street. Parking in nearby lots and garages.

Hampton Holly Days parade, Saturday, Dec. 9, 5 p.m. The annual Hampton Holly Days Parade returns with an All-America theme. Enjoy all the best marching bands and illuminated floats. The route begins at Settlers Landing Road at Eaton Street and ends at Darling Stadium.

Holiday Wonder Walk, December 16-25, nightly 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., Water Walk Trail at Hampton Coliseum.  Join us for the annual Holiday Wonder Walk along Hampton’s Water Walk Trail, this year with a special feature area highlighting Hampton as an All-America City.  Walking trail begins behind the Hampton Coliseum and continues to Freeman Drive, approximately 1.25 miles to see all the features and return to parking. Park free at the Hampton Coliseum and follow the lights!    

The All-America Award by the National Civic League highlights communities that involve and engage their residents. This year had a focus on youth voices in the community. Key initiatives included Hampton City Schools’ reinvention and transformation into the academies with involvement by educators, parents, students, businesses and other employers; programs for youth and young adults that focus on working with families to create positive change; and community policing that exposes young residents (and others) to police and public safety officials in positive ways. This is the fourth time Hampton has been designated an All-America City, with previous instances in 1972, 2002, and 2014.