Vendor participation...the pace is picking up

As the days fly bye and October 13-14 is closer and closer, the pace of vendors wanting to participate in the festival is picking up.

We met with Doug McGinnis with Gables Run Equestrian Center and are pleased Gables Run will participate as a vendor in the Outdoor Life area. This new venue is an expansion of the Boat Show featuring vendors and exhibits of businesses that sell outdoor recreation products and goods, bikes, kayaks, fishing equipment, etc.  He said the Gables Run birthday pony parties are very popular and to add interest to his exhibit promoting the Equestrian Center, he asked if he could bring a pony so kids can have their pictures taken sitting on the pony -- no rides…just pictures.  We agreed it would add a nice touch for kids of all ages.

So if you, your kids or grandkids love horses, this would be a nice memento of  mumfest 2012. Look for the Gables Run exhibit in Union Point Park.

Susan Moffat Thomas
Executive Director

SeaFair, the Mega Yacht, MUMFEST Venue

SeaFair in Morehead City 2011
Photo by Alan Welch

Last Thursday, Judy Avery, Carol Takarski, Jim Bisbee, Nancy Wyatt, Linda Mattocks, Danielle Glynn and me met to discuss developing plans for a fundraising reception, October 11 on the 228' mega yacht that will be a major venue at mumfest and how we can involve and promote the local art community as another festival venue to take advantage of this opportunity.

A major part of the meeting was talking with owners David and Leigh Anne Lester, owners of the yacht, via a conference call. They are looking forward to being in New Bern and are as excited as we are about the possibilities of making this a new memorable experience for festival goers and our community in general.

SeaFair 228' Mega Yacht
Photo by Alan Welch

The yacht will leave Florida en route to other ports on May 9, arriving in Morehead City to re-fuel along the way. Weather permitting they will arrive May 11 or 12. We accepted his  invitation to go aboard and tour the five floors so we have a better idea and understanding what will be open to the public.

As New Bern develops its reputation as a cultural and art center, this opportunity to attract visitors from the western part of the state and adjoining states, will enhance that reputation.

If you are interested in seeing pictures of SeaFair, go to http://www.expoships.com/

Tell us what you think.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

Great News! Mumfest 2012 a Top 20 Event in the Southeast

We just received word Mumfest has been selected as one of Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events for the month of October 2012.

This is the third time we have seen selected for this prestigious award and we are thrilled…as it is a big deal!! In addition to our advertising, press releases etc., we will receive tremendous exposure through the Southeast Tourism Society which covers 12 states.

The Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Events publication receives extensive exposure in print media, web, television and radio in the U.S. and Canada. Over 16,000 newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations, AAA and others receive the listings.  If you are interested, all the Top 20 Events are listed on the STS website  http://www.southeasttourism.org/ and on their consumer web site http://www.escapetothesoutheast.com/.

Mumfest 2012 promises to be the best yet .. Seafair, Outdoor Life and the many other venues are sure to attract huge crowds. The addition of being selected as a Top 20 Event in October 2012 and being promoted in 12 Southern states will certainly ensure record crowds.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

Plans for Mumfest 2012

Plans for mumfest 2012 (October 13 – 14) are well underway with new attractions and old favorites. We will keep everyone updated on mumfest happenings as they are finalized. Our newest venue is the mega 228' yacht SeaFair, filled with three decks of art from local area, national and international artists. The yacht will be moored at the Hilton Marina for the festival week-end, arriving October 10.  Go to www.expoships.com for more information. Their calendar does not include mumfest yet, but should be posted within the next month or so.

So far, everyone we’ve talked to is excited about this as a new venue and feel it will be a great addition to the many other venues at the festival. We would like to hear from artists if they will consider participating as a vendor and if people will be willing to pay a nominal admission fee to tour through the yacht.

More details will be posted as we go through the planning process.

Susan Moffat Thomas
Executive Director