In the early 1990’s, I invited representatives from various radio and TV stations to a breakfast meeting. The purpose was to ask for their support in promoting Mumfest. Up to that point our primary way of marketing the festival was very grass roots…through posters, public service announcements and word of mouth. The festival began as a small two block affair in 1980 and had continued to expand through vendor fees from vendors, in-kind services, or contributions. Initially we didn’t have the numbers to attract sponsors that we needed to generate the funds to book the entertainment and attractions as we do now.
By the early 1990’s, with the City’s help, we had expanded taking in three blocks of Middle Street, two of Pollock and two of South Front Street with vendors, entertainment and attractions. The growth of the festival and its focus on “something for everyone” was gaining area recognition. The timing seemed right to take the festival to the next level but we needed the media’s support to attract the number of festival-goers that would insure the return of vendors and sponsor opportunities.
At the breakfast, I presented plans for the festival that year and related how important the media’s support was to grow the festival. I expressed thanks and gratitude for the support they had extended with public service announcements but now needed their support as partners/sponsors who would promote the festival with scheduled commercials.
To my delight, the meeting was a success.
Since that time, the Beasley Broadcasting Group, Inc., (99.5 the X, 101.9KISS FM, 106.5 WSFL, 107.9 WNCT, Soft Rock V103.3), ESPN New Bern 105.7 FM, 1490 AM and Radio Free ENC 1450 AM, Inner Banks Media (Thunder Country 96.3, 94.1 WNBU Talk of the Town, and Next Media (Bob 93.3 WERO, WRNS Your Country 95.1), the Bear 97.9, TV 12 and Fox News have been Mumfest sponsors.
Their support and sponsorships have been invaluable, is greatly appreciated and Mumfest is all the better for it.
Susan Moffat Thomas
Executive Director
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