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
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| Luncheon Series in new O'Marks Mall |
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| Swim Wear/Summer Fashion Show |
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