NBFD Kid's Fire Safety House at MUMFEST



NBFD Kids Fire Safety House

We are happy to announce the NBFD’s Kids Fire Safety House will be at MUMFEST, thanks to Crystal Temple and the Robinson and Stith Insurance Agency.

The agency recently acquired a grant to provide fire safety

Sparky the Fire Dog

education and approached the NBFD with the request to have the Kid’s Fire Safety House at MUMFEST. Their employees agreed to provide all the manpower, distribute free fire prevention coloring books, crayons and stickers and have Sparky the Fire Dog on-site to “meet and greet” adding to the fun.

The City acquired the Kid’s Fire Safety House in the early 1990’s, funded through a FEMA grant targeted for fire safety education. It was seen as an opportunity to expand fire safety education by the fire department and connect with the community and school children.

The House, stored at the Main Fire Station on Broad Street, is primarily utilized during Fire Prevention Week. It is taken to public and private schools to educate first graders on the proper way to evacuate a house in case of fire and the importance of defining a meeting place outside the home for all members of the family so everyone can be accounted for. Designed to resemble a home with a kitchen, living room and bedroom, the children are taken through it by firemen, room by room who teach fire safety with lectures and hands-on exercises. Simulted smoke teachers kids how to safely evacuate from a second floor bedroom and how to property call 911.  

This is an important teaching tool and we appreciate Robinson and Stith for making it possible to have this venue at the festival. We invite families with young children to embrace this opportunity and have their children take the tour. It is a fun way to learn fire safety lessons and how to act quickly and decisively in life threatening emergencies.

The Fire Safety House will be located on Craven Street near City Hall during festival hours October 13 - 14.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

Five Points Loan Pool Project...a strategy to encourage commercial development

Over the years, Swiss Bear initiated development of two Urban Design Plans and  many strategies to encourage the revitalization of the downtown, its waterfront and the Five Points commercial area. One of the strategies was the Five Points Loan Pool Program that was officially kicked-off June 10, 1994.

Swiss Bear, working in cooperation with eight area banks and members of SCORE established this new program designed to encourage commercial development in the Five Points area. Ricky Brown, City Executive for BB&T and Swiss Bear’s  Chairman led the effort in which eight local banks pooled collectively $1 million for loans for any worthwhile business purpose in the Five Points area, excluding refinancing of existing loans. New loans ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 were available for businesses (new or existing) within the area bounded by Cedar to Bern, Bern to Pollock, Pollock to Queen, Queen to First and First to Second to Cedar Street. The process was initiated by completing an application through the Swiss Bear office and the applicant then met with a small advisory group of volunteers from SCORE who provided assistance in developing a business plan, if needed, before meeting with a bank representative. The loan request was then reviewed by representatives from the eight banks, who made the final decision if the project met the guidelines and was eligible for the loan.

The program was in effect for two years and five loans were made, three for new businesses, one for expansion of an existing business and a fifth for the purchase of several lots and construction of a new building to relocate an existing business. SCORE Chairman, John Ronan worked closely with the woman who purchased the property which took several years to come to completion.

This project was one of many strategies in which the private sector worked together to encourage redevelopment of the greater downtown area. The commitment of so many made the difference and our city is all the better for it.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

MUMFEST Stage Entertainment...something for everyone

Pauline Smith & Don Blalock

Don Blalock, in the entertainment business since 1964 has been singing Johnnie Cash songs ever since someone once told him he sounded like Johnny Cash. Pauline and Don perform all over the state since they met on a show in Morehead City five years ago. Pauline Smith, singing professionally since 1994, is an accomplished artist with four CD's, singing country, oldies and gospel.

Together Pauline and Don will sing a mixture of classic country such as Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline and of course Johnny and June Cash hits.

So if you're Johnny Cash fan, you sure don’t want to miss this!

The Main Stage is located in front of the Galley Store. Festival-goers can check the entertainment schedule on mumfest.com, the official program or for those with smart phones, click the QR code on MUMFEST posters or signage (October 13-14) in the festival area.

Susan Moffat Thomas
Executive Director

MUMFEST Banners - A Blaze of Color and Festivity on the Downtown Streets

We are thrilled over 165 businesses supported the Noon Rotary Club’s Mumfest banner project by sponsoring a banner.

The banners, now in production by Bender Apparel & Signs, Inc. will hang from the street banner arms beginning in mid-September through October. The streets will be a blaze of color. For the first time both sides of the banners will be printed with the mumfest logo, in deep rich purple, blue and gold, and the businesses name.

This partnership between Swiss Bear and the Noon Rotary Club provides funds for Rotary’s Community Service projects such as college scholarships for deserving local high school seniors, YMCA, Coastal Women’s Forum, Religious Community Services and many others.  

We are pleased and proud of this partnership and applaud the business community for their support of this worthy project.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

New Bern...a unique American city with a Swiss city's armorial bearings

New Bern City Hall 
cast iron sculptures
over entry arches

Cast Iron Bear Sculpture

Swiss Flag & Coat of Arms.
Gift from City of Bern.
New Bern City Hall Courtroom

New Bern enjoys a rich, distinguished history, a city that is unique in that it adopted the armorial bearings and colors of Bern, Switzerland and the black bears.

Our city has always felt a close affinity with Bern, Switzerland, its namesake and its founding in 1710 by Christopher de Graffenried. In 1891, New Bern renewed its ties to Bern with and official visit to Bern by New Bern Mayor, Matthias E. Manley during  Bern’s seven hundredth anniversary. In 1896, representatives from the Council of Burgesses of Bern visited New Bern and presented the Mayor of New Bern with a Bernese banner that displayed the arms of the city and the date 1891, “ in remembrance of the celebration of that memorable anniversary and the birth of friendly relations between the two cities on this occasion”. At the same time, the Swiss minister to the United States offered the Swiss flag to the Mayor of New Bern in an elaborate celebration designed to honor Christoph von Graffenried. The city then adopted the armorial bearings and colors of Bern, including the red and black bears, thus giving rise to the nomenclature of “Bears” or “Bruins”, which is used by New Bern athletic teams and the designation daughter city.  

IN 1996, in remembrance of the 100^th Anniversary of that special occasion, a great celebration was held on April 13 on the 300 block of Pollock Street. John Sturman, Bern Bear Gifts chaired this City sponsored event. The festivities featured a flag raising with New Bern Mayor Tom Bayliss and Bern Mayor Dr. Klaus Baumgartner officiating. Also on hand for the ceremonies were Dr. Carlo Jagmetti, Swiss Ambassador to the U.S., Fred Jenny, Consul-General of Switzerland, Helmuth de Graffenried, President of the Swiss de Graffenried Association and his wife Blanche, long time friends of this city and a nearly 50-member delegation from Bern.  A concert by the 2d  Marine Aircraft Wing Band played both countries national anthem.

Many other official visits, personal exchanges with members of the de Graffenried family for celebrations and reunions have taken place over the years.  Significant among those events was the visit by the Mayor of Bern, the de Graffenried family and a Swiss contingent to attend our city’s 300^th anniversary celebration in 2010.

City Street Banners
funded with Muncipal
Service District tax money

The bond between the two Bern’s is strong and we are justly proud of this unique relationship. 

Susan Moffat Thomas
Executive Director

Greater New Bern Business Expo...an annual tradition not to be missed!

Mark your calendar and plan to attend the New Bern Business Expo on Thursday, August 23. This annual event, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce will be held in the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center. This is the first event to be held in the newly renovated facility to include new carpeting, furniture and paint in addition to structural repairs. This highly popular Expo features over 100 local vendors from the business community providing the opportunity to learn about the many businesses, services and products available locally. There will be free product samples, live demonstrations, food and beverage tastings and lots of door prizes.

Expo hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., admission is $1 for adults, children under five are free.  Business After Hours for Chamber members follows from 6 to 8 p.m.



REV UP THE FUN WITH THE INDY RACE TOUR...New MUMFEST Attraction

Keeping the tradition going, in addition to a new model car show, Joe Alcoke, MUMFEST Title Sponsor is bringing a new show entitled "The Indy Race Tour". The Corvette Racing Tours that have been an attraction at MUMFEST  in prior years were unavailable this year due to previous commitments so Chevy is making The Indy Tour available, a tour/program that was designed just for race events. Located on First Citizen's lot at the corner of Middle and Broad, this will be another celebration of Chevrolet's on-track successes.

Race car fans can spend lots of time admiring the Detroit Chevrolet Grand Prix of Belle Isle Indy Show Car along with a 4L85 Transmission; LSA Performance Engine; ZZ-383 Performance Engine; 1.41L Turbo; 3.0 Direct Injection; a Technology Transfer Display-Direct Injection, Turbo and Advanced Technology and a Chevrolet Accessories and Performance Parts display.

So race car fans, mark your calendar and rev up your fun at the Indy Race Tour exhibit...one of the many attractions.

Tell us what you think!

Susan Moffat Thomas
Executive Director

JOIN US FOR THE ART EVENT OF THE YEAR IN OCTOBER!!

ARTS AHOY OPENING NIGHT PREVIEW ABOARD SEAFAIR    

Our SeaFair Arts Ahoy Committee is busy making plans for the Arts Ahoy Opening Night inaugural preview on October 11 of the New Bern Art Fest and official MUMFEST kick-off party to benefit Swiss Bear and the Craven Arts Council & Gallery. The invitations are being design and invitation lists developed.

This event of the year aboard the 228' mega yacht SEAFAIR, docked at the New Bern Grand Marina, begins with a First View 5:00-7:30 pm and Collector's Invitational 7:30-10:00 pm. First View, $150 per person includes live entertainment, butlered canapes and heavy hors d'oeuvres, wine and champagne and valet service. Collector's Invitational, $100 per person includes butlered canapes and wine. Other special features are being planned will be listed in the invitations as they are confirmed.

The ship has three decks of international galleries filled with art, jewelry and sculpture, two outdoor bars and open-air bistro on the Sky Deck.

For those interested in attending and want to insure their name is on the invitation list, please email your name and address to swissbear@swissbear.org.

The following are good links to check out and get a real sense of what the evening will offer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPOPBz0FudI

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7403948n&tag=contentBody;storyMediaBox

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1t3q0dmJgwQ


Susan Moffat Thomas
Executive Director

Pedestrian Connections...major contributors to downtown's walkability, sense of place and interaction

To create a downtown that will attract a diverse concentrated mix of uses and foster economic interaction among these uses, it is essential to encourage people through the downtown core on foot. One of the priority objectives in revitalization planning is to establish an attractive system of pedestrian connections. In downtown New Bern, prior to the revitalization effort, pedestrian circulation occurred almost exclusively along the sidewalks with stores facing the walks and streets.

According to the summary of existing conditions in the 1977 Downtown Revitalization Plan, pedestrian access from the mid-block parking lots to the shops that fronted Middle, Pollock and Craven Streets were inadequate, in some cases dangerous and generally unattractive. The 1977 Plan proposed an open space system for the entire redevelopment effort starting at the bulkhead of the urban renewal property along the Trent River and continuing along the Neuse River to connect with the historic residential and commercial district. The Plan envisioned connecting mid-block parking lots to shopping streets, creating additional walking path systems through the city that would extend out to the waters edge (Riverwalk) system.  

The 1990 Urban Design Plan, initiated and coordinated by Swiss Bear in partnership with the City, reiterated the importance of pedestrian connections and recommended existing through-block pedestrian connections be improved and enhanced. As a result, Church Alley (between Remax and Tom’s Coins), the walkway between First Baptist Church and O. Marks, and the walkway along the Century 21 building from South Front into the interior parking area and the alley between Morgan’s Tavern and the adjacent building were improved to include paving, some with lighting and landscaping. Swiss Bear’s fundraising drive to purchase the bear sculptures in Bear Plaza (the first mid-block pedestrian park created in 1981 with special Municipal Tax District funds) was so successful the additional money was used to purchase new lighting for the Plaza. James Reed Lane was developed in 1995 and a new through-block connection was created when the four story Middle Street East building (200 block) was constructed in the mid-1990’s

Downtown New Bern’s pedestrian connections play an important role in creating a strong sense of community. Our walkable downtown  offers a sense of place with  a mix of restaurants, retail, galleries, attractions, offices, parks and housing that promote interaction. Since the downtown economy thrives on accessibility, networking, creativity and a sense of community, interaction is key.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

Church Alley under construction

Church Alley - completed 1993

Bear Plaza under construction 1979-1980

Bear Plaza Dedication 1980

Rear of Pool Hall

James Reed Lane under construction

James Reed Lane completed 1996

Federal Alley Parking Lot
Before Redevelopment

Federal Alley Interior Parking Lot
Before Redevelopment

James Reed Lane - creating through-block pedestrian linkages

  

Old Pool Hall
Demolished in 1990's for creation of a

mid-block pedestrian park

James Reed Lane
under construction

  

James Reed Lane - Today
300 Block of Pollock Street





In 1994, when Swiss Bear heard the owner of the old pool hall was considering selling it, with approval from  the Municipal Service District Advisory Committee and the City, Swiss Bear Board member Stewart Smith approached the owner  and worked out an agreement for the City to purchase the building. Acquiring the property was a long term goal as creating through-block pedestrian linkages  was recommended in the 1977 Revitalization Plan and the 1990 Urban Design Plan. This small one-story building was in poor repair, without architectural distinction and its removal would allow a dramatic direct view of the steeple of the Episcopal Church, mirroring the view of the First Baptist through Church Alley.

Swiss Bear hired Allison Platt & Associates to design a plan for the space with plantings, old brick from the streets of New Bern, street lights, benches and a three-tier fountain. Following demolition of the old building by the City, the project was put on hold as the MSD funds  (an additional tax paid by downtown property owners for public improvements) were committed for streetscape improvements to the 100/200 blocks of Middle Street.

Swiss Bear met the challenge to move the project forward and worked to raise funds and find an appropriate name for the mid-block pedestrian park. Reverend Edward Sharp, Christ Episcopal Church had been a strong supporter of the revitalization effort and Swiss Bear. When I asked for his assistance to recommend a name for the park, he spent a great deal of time researching the project. Through his efforts, the New Bern Board of Aldermen approved our request to name the park James Reed Lane in memory and honor of this 18^th century pioneer in public education. After 230 years, the Reverend James Reed, first rector of Christ Church received belated public recognition for his role in establishing in New Bern, North Carolina’s first incorporated school in 1764.

The City agreed to provide the labor for development of the space if we could raise funds to pay for construction materials, streetlights, benches and planting materials. We initiated a campaign and successfully raised $60,000 with Reverend Sharp’s support. Additional funding for the beautiful three-tier cast iron fountain was contributed by Dr. and Mrs. Harry MacDonald in honor of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. H.J. MacDonald. John C. Thomas constructed the abstract wood wall hanging and donated and placed the brownstone plaque in the sidewalk that recognizing the MacDonald’s contribution. Contributors to the project are listed on a bronze plaque on the  brick wall facing the park.  

The dedication celebration, held February 25^th was well attended. In addition to remarks from Reverend Sharp, the Swiss Bear Director and Chairman,  Patrick Dorsey, North Carolina Secretary of Cultural Resources was the keynote speaker.

This mid-block pedestrian park is another amenity  that enhances the “walkability and sense of place” of our historic downtown.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

MUSIC & MUMFEST...a diversity of live stage entertainment

Tee Jay Jones and The Pamlico Sound Machine

 It Ain't No Jive, Tee Jay Jones and The Pamlico Sound Machine has arrived!

Assembled in Eastern Carolina at its Washington, NC home plant in 2007, and strolling onto the Carolina beach/boogies/blues music scene in 2009 with their Do Me Good CD, they are fully equipped with selectable songs of Soul, Beach, Blues, Pop, Motown, R&B, Funk and Jazz. Front man Tee Jay Jones rewinds the mind to Marvin Gay, Clarence Carter, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding and others.

"It’s all about the spirit in which the music is performed... no matter what genre label it carries... we are not the kind of Soul Band most people think of...we're not confined to what is often called "Black Music"...we reach into the heart of each piece of music and bring out its SOUL!" says Tee Jay Jones.

The Main Stage is located in front of the Galley Store. Be sure and check the entertainment schedule on mumfest.com, the official program or for those with smart phones, click on the QR code on MUMFEST posters or signage (October 13 – 14) in the festival area.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

ELKS' TEMPLE...New Bern's tallest and most prominent commercial building

Elks Building following stablization by
Empire Properties

The Elks’ Temple building was built in 1908 for the Elks Lodge during one of New Bern’s greatest boom periods. The first floor housed a department store, the second, third and fourth professional offices and the fifth was the Elks reception room and Lodge. Over the post WWII years, the advent of the automobile led to the exodus to the suburbs and growth and development followed. In the mid 1980’s, lack of income to maintain the building and dwindling Lodge memberships led to their decision to sell the building.

In 1987, architect, Earl Applegate purchased the 30,000 square foot building with the intent to rehabilitate the five floors and sell them individually as condominium units. Over the next ten years when this strategy didn’t work, the gradual deterioration led to the city’s intervention through an ordinance “demolition by neglect”. When the repairs required by the City were not made by the owner, the architect was required to negotiate with several developers who were interested in purchasing the building.

In October 2007, Greg Hatem, owner of Empire Properties in Raleigh, purchased the property for $1million after the contract to purchase it by Conrad Properties, St. Louis, MO fell through. In 2008, initial steps taken including ridding it of asbestos, clearing out the debris, draining the water out of the basement, gutting the interior and stabilizing the exterior of the building and its windows  which took four or five months at a cost of $500,000+.

Plans to move forward with the multi-million dollar renovation were stymied in 2009-2010, like many other construction projects across the nation, with the economic downturn. Last fall, at the request of Empire Properties, a Swiss Bear ad hoc committee met with representatives of the banking, development and investment community to see if a strategy could be developed to help move the project forward.

The challenge, this and other development projects are facing in this economy, is to acquire construction financing from a financial institution who, in addition to their normal credit underwriting and due diligence, require pre-conditions to be met before making a formal loan commitment which may include leases for a minimum of a full-floor for a term of no fewer than five years plus another sources of funding to cover the tax credit equity funding. Until the economy and current lending conditions improve, the project is on hold.  This project, like many others over the past 30 years, will be completed at some point in time.

       In the meantime, we appreciate Greg Hatem and Empire Properties for the time and money his firm has invested in the purchase and stabilization of the building. The rehabilitation of New Bern’s tallest and most prominent commercial will move forward when it is financially feasible.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director



Architectural details on the 5th story



Prior to major street scape improvements
and placement of utilities underground

Topsail Schooner WOLF docking in New Bern August 13-16

Topsail Schooner WOLF
Tall Ship Sails and Dockside Tours

 New Bernians will have the thrill of having Tall Ship 74 foot Topsail Schooner WOLF at the New Bern Grand Marina in downtown New Bern August 13-16. Even more thrilling is the opportunity to go on Tall Ship Pirate Sails and Sunset Cruises, August 15-16 from 4:30- 6:00pm and 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Adults $50, children under 12, $25. Free dockside tours of the WOLF are available 15-16, 2:00-4:00pm. Private cruises are also available. Reservations required for cruises call 305-296-9694.

Residents and visitors are also invited to attend the Conch Republic Navy Dockside Reception, August 14, 6:00-7:30 pm. Cost: $10.

Topsail Schooner WOLF, Flagship of the Conch Republic & Florida Keys Vessel history: WOLF is home ported at Safe Harbour Marina in Stock Island Key West and is owned and operated by Key West Packet Lines, Inc. Designated the Flagship of the Conch Republic and the City of Key West, WOLF is patterned after the blockade runners that plied the waters of the Florida Straits, Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean in the 19th century. A Key West icon, the WOLF has been featured in numerous publications, films and documentaries.

WOLF's 2012 Summer East Coast Ambassador Voyage include visits to Beaufort and New Bern, NC, Hampton Roads, VA, Eastport Annapolis, MD, Baltimore, MD, Cape May, NJ, Bristol & Newport, RI, New London and Mystic, CT and other historic ports of call. For more information about the ship go to: www.schoonerwolf.com

How exciting, two major vessels open to the public in downtown historic New Bern…WOLF in August and SeaFair in October.

We’ve come a long way in the past 35 years! Tell us what you think.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

More Great Stage Entertainment at MUMFEST

THE ACHORDANTS - COLLEGIATE A CAPPELLA CHAMPIONS

Founded in Spring 2001, The Achordants formed at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with the mission "to entertain and promote the message of diversity through music". Using tight harmonies and a lighthearted appeal that pleases any audience, the groups diverse repertoire, ranging from gospel to Scottish folk songs, is reflective of the group members' individuality.

In 2005 they became the South Regional Champions at the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella, securing them a spot on the stage at NYC's Lincoln Center.

The group holds a rich tradition of advocating charitable causes and believes the key to Collegiate A Cappella is to have fun and not take oneself too seriously!

The Main Stage is located in front of the Galley Store. Be sure and check the entertainment schedule on mumfest.com, the official program or for those with smart phones, click on the QR code on MUMFEST posters or signage (October 13 – 14) in the festival area.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

Carolina Creations...adding to downtown's rich diversity

Jan Francoeur
Carolina Creations

The essence of downtown is diversity, with a range of choice in things to do and see, drawing people throughout the day and evening.  The essence of downtown’s business community is also about diversity. For the most part, the downtown business owners are independent people, from many different cities, and many different reasons for opening a business in our downtown including being a part of a successful revitalization effort. Many people over the past 30 years have opened businesses, some for a short duration and others have endured.

Jan & Michael Francoeur
Owners, Carolina Creations

One of the businesses that endured is Carolina Creations, owned by Jan and Michael Francoeur, originally from Michigan. Carolina Creations is a beautiful gallery shop filled with high quality art, Jan and Michael’s, and 300 local, regional and nationally known artists. After six years of adventurous carefree living in Colorado and traveling through numerous states in a motor home, they decided it was time to settle down---their criteria “a place that was on the way but hadn’t gotten there yet, on the water (Michigan natives need to be near the water to be happy) and in a beautiful setting”. 

New Bern’s warm response to  their letters of inquiry won them over. They arrived in 1989, traded the motor home in for a boat and lived on it for three years at the then new Ramada Inn & Marina (now the  BridgePointe Hotel and Marina). After opening a studio and partnering with several other artists in a space on Middle Street, her work sold so well, Michael closed his business and they opened their own gallery/shop in what was Bryant McLeod’s Men Clothing Store on Pollock Street.

Fourteen successful years later, they partnered with Maune Belangia Faulkenberry Architects, bought the building at 317 Pollock (formerly a Chinese restaurant) and renovated it for retail on the first floor and offices on the second floor. They also rehabbed a historic home and built a new three story residence and studio several blocks from Carolina Creations…downtowners through and through!

Thanks to people like Jan and Michael and the many others who have invested time, talent and money, a once dying downtown is filled with a rich and diverse mixture of people, businesses, residences, retail, and cultural activity. Long gone are the days when the number of businesses were minimal in number and the majority of property downtown was owned by absentee owners not inclined to invest in the physical improvements so important to the revitalization effort.

  

Downtown’s effort was long and difficult. The essential leadership from the City, Swiss Bear, business owners and investors, the ingenuity and persistence of those who took on  the task of shaping the downtown community led to its success. This rich diversity, on-going commitment and investment  by the local business community is also vitally  important to the sustainability of our beautiful historic downtown.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

Chinese Resturant
now Carolina Creations

Old Pool Hall
now James Reed Lane

Carolina Creations Today

MUMFEST & Stage Entertainment...something for everyone

TOM & DAHLIN 

This talented couple has been entertaining audiences for many years.
Tom's musical career began as a lead singer for the Rock N Roll band "Vision". A commercial DJ for radio and television station affiliates, he also writes, produces and directs radio & TV commercials.

Joan, his “Dahlin” wife and partner, has been singing since she was four years old in church choirs, choruses and as a back-up singer and soloist for several groups. She has a natural gift to sing, a melodic voice and the ability to entertain.

Together TOM & DAHLIN bring a new depth to entertainment using their knowledge, talents and love of music and people. They perform regularly at a local restaurant, at weddings, parties and special events.

The Main Stage is located in front of the Galley Store. Be sure and check the entertainment schedule on mumfest.com, the official program or for those with smart phones, click on the QR code on MUMFEST posters or signage (October 13 – 14) in the festival area.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

Cosmopolitan Lunch Series...another strategy to bring people downtown

In the 1980’s, numerous events and activities were developed to attract people back downtown. In 1988-89, one of many events was a Cosmopolitan Lunch series Swiss Bear held every Friday at noon June 1 through July 31. It provided a new twist on the standard lunch hour with gourmet box lunches prepared by Fred and Claire’s Restaurant. We set up café tables and chairs in O. Marks or Bear Plaza, depending on the weather, to create an open-air café where downtown workers or visitors could enjoy their lunch while being entertained.

Programs by the YMCA, Community College and downtown business owners included Swimwear/Summer Fashion Shows by Buckman’s and Four C’s, fitness and beauty workshops by Twin Rivers YMCA and stylists and skin-care specialists from Geneses Hair Designs. The New Bern Civic Theatre gave a special performance of Snow White featuring the Stagehands. David Parks a local folk singer and Craven Community College visiting artist, performed and the series ended with a program by WDLX Radio and the COKE Video Can with free give-aways. Throughout the series gift certificates, door prizes and other drawings were given away as enticements.

It was a successful series that added to the camaraderie of downtowners and others working together to attract people back downtown. Some of the businesses listed below that helped us with the Lunch Series are no longer in existence but played an important role in downtown’s early revitalization efforts.

BB&T, O. Marks Partnership, Coldwell Banker-Willis Smith, Bryant-McLeod, Ltd., Michael Fisher DDS, North Carolina National Bank, Sheraton Hotel and Marina, The Four C’s, Geneses Hair Designs, The Dalahorse, Mine & Yours, Central News and Card Shop, Johnson Machine Company, Benners Studio, Craven Arts Council & Gallery, New Bern Civic Theatre, Footlight Theatre, New Bern Parks & Recreation, Pat Eglinton, Twin Rivers YMCA, David Parks, Brian Morris, Cary Worthy, Greg Smith, Jeff Jenkins, Chris Stilley, Charlotte Moffat, Michelle Tyndall, Val Preston and Cecelia Horton.

Kudos to all, we couldn’t have done it without you.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

 

Luncheon Series in new O'Marks Mall



Swim Wear/Summer Fashion Show



MUMFEST Stage Entertainment...something for everyone

The Shake Doctors are one of the Carolina's premier party bands. With musical roots reaching back to their high school days, they have performed singularly and together in every genre until 2009 when they locked on The Shake Doctors.

With contagious energy their schedule stays busy playing everything from corporate events, seaside bars, formals, festivals and pool side parties. Five members strong, led by front man Clay Kirschner, passionate pick-man Jim Ray (lead guitar),Wick Wickline (bass), non-stop beating by Jeremy Cayton and Glenn Hubbard surfing 88 keys. They have a play list that spans seven decades from Billy Idol to Chairman of the Board and everything in between continually seeking new ways to challenge the musical norm.

The Main Stage is located in front of the Galley Store. Be sure and check the entertainment schedule on www.mumfest.com, the official program or for those with smart phones, click on the QR code on MUMFEST posters or signage (October 13 – 14) in the festival area.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director