Mumfest organizers look back at festival's early days

It won’t be long now: New Bern’s Mumfest, which started 34 years ago as a small street festival and is now the city’s premier event, will be here Oct. 11-12.

Susan Moffat-Thomas, executive director of Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corp., who is marking her 29th Mumfest, said the festival has grown so much it touches many people year-round.

“There are so many people who participate and benefit,” Moffat-Thomas said. “The economic impact is tremendous with hotels, restaurants and stores. But I think a lot of people don’t realize there are a lot of people who come from outside New Bern and spend their time here and on gas and food. There are many dollars spent here.”

There are also nonprofits, such as the New Bern Lions Club, that sell carbonated drinks to raise funds for its blindness program, she said.

An economic study done on Mumfest in 2002 found that 55,000 people attended and the economic impact was $2.5 million, Moffat-Thomas said.

“We know the crowd has doubled since then,” she said. “This is good for our community in many ways. It is a grand community effort, and I think everyone is very proud of it.”

Mumfest grew initially from a strategic event to draw people downtown when it was being revitalized in the 1980s, Moffat-Thomas said.

It won’t be long now: New Bern’s Mumfest, which started 34 years ago as a small street festival and is now the city’s premier event, will be here Oct. 11-12.

Susan Moffat-Thomas, executive director of Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corp., who is marking her 29th Mumfest, said the festival has grown so much it touches many people year-round.

“There are so many people who participate and benefit,” Moffat-Thomas said. “The economic impact is tremendous with hotels, restaurants and stores. But I think a lot of people don’t realize there are a lot of people who come from outside New Bern and spend their time here and on gas and food. There are many dollars spent here.”

There are also nonprofits, such as the New Bern Lions Club, that sell carbonated drinks to raise funds for its blindness program, she said.

An economic study done on Mumfest in 2002 found that 55,000 people attended and the economic impact was $2.5 million, Moffat-Thomas said.

“We know the crowd has doubled since then,” she said. “This is good for our community in many ways. It is a grand community effort, and I think everyone is very proud of it.”

Mumfest grew initially from a strategic event to draw people downtown when it was being revitalized in the 1980s, Moffat-Thomas said.

“By partnering with the city, it allow us to really grow,” she said. “Then we began recruiting sponsors. We partnered with all the media to really market the festival because tourism was such an important part of the revitalization project. We wanted to market the festival so people would come in and stay overnight and enjoy the city.”

As the Bicentennial Park was developed and the revitalization of downtown started filling the empty buildings, venues for the festival were getting restricted.

“The density of the crowds was becoming too much,” Moffat-Thomas said. “We were beginning to worry about the safety of the people.”

But after the new drawbridge was completed, Swiss Bear was able to work with the Department of Transportation and get East Front Street and two blocks of Pollock Street closed, linking the Board Street area with Union Point Park for the two-day festival, Moffat-Thomas said.

“There have been a lot of partnerships and organizations helping us; the city and nonprofits,” she said. “We’ve grown from a little festival of maybe 10,000 in the 1980s to probably more than 100,000. I’m very proud of that. We have received many awards over the years. We have worked hard and we are going to make darn sure we live up to our reputation and quality.”

Some of this year’s newer attractions that promise “Something for Everyone” will include: Signora Bella, the Great Italian Equilibrist; a longer water taxi from Lawson Creek Park to Union Point park (small fee); a pirate Skallywag School; and the late Dale Earnhardt’s No. 3 GM Goodwrench Service Plus Chevrolet Monte Carlo and two other races care from Richard Childress Racing for NASCAR fans; and many other staples of the festival.

This year there will be 23 venues at Mumfest and a lot of entertainment for young people, Moffat-Thomas said.

'A greater downtown will not merely be a dream'

Volunteers display Swiss Bear's new flag
made by a local citizen not long after the
 organization's creation in 1979.

On April 5, 1979, the Downtown Revitalization Committee officially transferred its responsibilities to the newly created organization, yet to be named and formally structured, at a public meeting in the Tryon Palace Auditorium. Its mission: to stimulate and coordinate the revitalization of the downtown and redevelopment of its waterfront.

In May, Doug Davis, Chairman; John Green, Vice Chairman; Virginia McSorley, Secretary; B.J. Wright, Treasurer were elected by acclamation to lead the organization.  Following the election, a motion by committee member David Henderson that the organization needed to file for incorporation, the Chairman stated a name for the group was necessary for incorporation. John Green’s suggestion, Swiss Bear, Inc., was adopted.

In late August, Swiss Bear received the incorporation charter as a 501(c) (3) nonprofit providing the right prescribed by law to solicit and receive contributions and gifts, exclusively for charitable or social welfare in furtherance of the purposes of the corporation and federal tax exempt status. 

By-laws were adopted and the composition of the board of directors consisted of not less than 18 or more than 25, nine by virtue of their office: New Bern Historic Foundation, New Bern Historical Society, New Bern City Government, New Bern City Administration, Craven County Government, Craven County Administration, Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Merchants Association and New Bern Planning Board. Nine additional members elected from the community-at-large, composed of citizens who demonstrated an interest in the objectives and work of the corporation.  

Charter members of the first board were George Slade, Harry Vatz, Martha Smith, Gordon Parrott, Jim Ross, Bill Edwards, Dell Ipock, Frank Hargett, Nick Scholz, J.C. Outlaw, David Henderson, Johnny West, John Hill, l.J. Eubanks, Jr., Roland Grubbs, George Scott and Ralph Mann.

Martha Smith designed the first official logo and a budget of $45,000 was adopted. Swiss Bear committed to raising $15,000 from the community with commitments from the City and County of $15,000 each in matching funds. The board would meet the third Wednesday of every month at 7:30 a.m. to carry out the established goals and priorities.  

Activities and accomplishments of the Downtown Revitalization Committee and Swiss Bear in the late 1970’s included:

• Raised $8,000 to fund the Central Business District Revitalization Plan.
• Recommended the City’s purchase of the Coplon-Smith vacant lot to develop a mini-park (Bear Plaza) to provide access to Middle Street from the inner block parking area.
• Garnered   support of downtown property owners and requested the City’s establishment of a special tax district to fund downtown public improvements.
• Acquired grant funds and commissioned renderings of the downtown storefronts by East Carolina Regional Development Institute to encourage facade rehabilitation.
• Sponsored the first annual Swiss Bear Festival.  
• Sponsored public forums on the importance of historic preservation.
• Developed plans for forming a Historic Preservation Commission approved by the City Planning Board.
• Lobbied with other businesses for retention of the Courthouse in the downtown.
• Assisted the New Bern Civic Theatre in the acquisition of the Tryon Theatre on Pollock Street.
• Assisted the newly formed Craven Arts Council & Gallery with the acquisition of the old First Citizens Bank and establishment of the Bank of the Arts.




A Swiss Bear Festival sign displayed in front
of a vacant building that housed an antique show
not long after the organization's creation in 1979.

As 1979 drew to a close, a memo to all downtown businesses from John Phillips, owner of Bryant McLeod Men’s Store, summed up an event filled year.

 “We got the ball rolling! With your continued enthusiasm and attendance at Swiss Bear’s informal monthly meetings, looking forward to a GREATER DOWNTOWN NEW BERN will not merely be a dream. It will become a reality that we, working together for a common goal, will see come to pass.”

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

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

ARTWALK

Friday July 13, 5 – 9 p.m., another great evening in downtown New Bern

 

The Bank of the Arts presents Time Machine by installation artist Jan Horner. The kenetic objects range from rusty wheels to hanging pieces, many of natural materials, others man-made. The opening reception is from 5 to 8 p.m.. The exhibit runs through August 25. 317 Middle Street.

Michaele Rose Watson’s Studio, tucked away at 413B Broad Street will have numerous artists, performers, musicians, painters and sculptures in attendance, where art will be created and displayed 5–9 p.m.,  413B Broad Street.

Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Craft Gallery features new paintings by Sally Sutton, an artist recognized for the amount of color in her work and bold brush strokes and whose work is in many well-known collections. 317A Pollock Street. 

New Bern ArtWorks & Company. Meet artist Harriet Goode, whose figures in her paintings represent women she may know or strangers who hi-jacked her imagination. Located in Studio 323 at 323 Pollock Street. 

Other participating art venues.

   Bear Hands Art Factory & Framing, artwork by Shannon
   Semple- 213 219 Middle Street.
   The Next Chapter, Summer scenes by local artists, 320 South
   Front Street.
   New Bern Farmer’s Market, Artists, authors, live music, 412
   South Front Street.
   Caroline McGarth Newborn Photography, Newborn
   photography exhibit, 329 Middle Street.
   Beads-N-Bowls, 220 Craven Street.
   The Accidental Artist, 219A Craven Street.

Enjoy your evening...

Susan Moffat-Thomas
Executive Director 

East Waterfront Task Force...developing a plan for Union Point Park

In a previous blog I wrote about Swiss Bear’s involvement in purchasing several parcels along the street and getting the parcels along the Neuse River donated to the City. The three acre tract, adjacent to Union Point Park, included fuel storage tanks and a vacant deteriorating gas station. It was important to acquire the property to begin developing the waterfront to attract and accommodate tourism and water recreation. The negotiation process took several years. During that time Swiss Bear approached Weyerhaeuser Corporation about their interest in building a museum and visitor center that would include an aquatic learning center. They indicated they were interested in considering such a project if the Texaco property was used to expand Union Point.  

With that in mind, in July 1983, following Texaco’s donation of the property to the City, Harold Talton, Swiss Bear Chairman and Marvin Davis, the Executive Director, went before the Board of Aldermen to request Swiss Bear’s designation as the entity to plan the use of the Texaco property and Union Point. The Board of Aldermen approved and passed a resolution granting Swiss Bear 120 days to come up with a plan.  Swiss Bear sought the Chamber of Commerce’s help and the two organization’s created  the East Waterfront Task Force. Members included, Tony Hooper, City Manager; David Rowland, City Planner; Boyd Meyers and Paul Cox, Aldermen; Weyerhaeuser representatives were Norm Johnson, Glen Wood and George Henson. Swiss Bear representatives were Harold Talton, Marvin Davis, John Ward and Kay Williams. Jamie King was the Neuse River Foundation representatives and Farrell Teague and Alton Herndon represented the Chamber. The Task Force worked on this project, which became very controversial, for more than three years.

In a future blog, I will relate the many challenges and hurdles they faced over the following three years with the goal of developing the Texaco property and Union Point into a protected harbor and river research center.  

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director



Union Point Park late 1970's



Union Point Park late 1970's



Gaining Popularity...painting en plein air

 

Lisa Bisbee painting Baxter's Building

 


Painter Chris Wagner

 

Painter Lee Hood



Downtown New Bern’s development as a cultural arts center with galleries, museums, a theater, artwalks and other cultural events is attracting entrepreneurs/artists in growing numbers.  Gaining in popularity are artists gathering downtown to paint en plein air,  a French expression for painting “in the open air”.

Lisa Bisbee, a local artist/entrepreneur has been an ambassador for our downtown and for painting en plein air since she moved here a year or so ago. Every Saturday morning she sets up her easel on the sidewalk in front of New Bern ArtWorks & Co. on Pollock Street. As she sketches and paints, she engages visitors and residents in conversations about her work, downtown happenings, where they are from, places to go and things to see and do.  She said it is amazing how many visitors she meets from all across the country and foreign countries. 



Painter Lisa Bisbee
Photo by Robert Hennon



Lisa Bisbee's Artwork

Her enthusiasm has set the tone. More and more artists are joining her and adding to the ambiance and sense of place by setting up their easels every Saturday morning.

An invitation is extended to all artists who want to participate in this Saturday morning 10 a.m. – noon, downtown happening, painting  street scenes and chatting with the public.   It’s easy, it’s fun, it’s a great way to meet fellow artists, showcase your talents and meet interesting people.…just bring sketchbooks, watercolors or pigments of choice and gather on the 300 block of  Pollock and corner of Pollock Street and Middle Street. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday morning and enhance the culture of downtown New Bern.

For more information, call Craven Arts Council at 252-638-2577. 

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

No rest for the weary...maintaining downtown's role as a destination



Downtown Middle Street

Multiple plans developed over the past 35 years have been invaluable in keeping the vision focused for revitalization of the greater downtown area. This includes: 1977 Central Business District Revitalization Plan, 1990 and 2000 Urban Design Plans, Downtown New Bern Retail Recruitment Strategy, New Bern Celebration Master Plan, New Bern’s Land Use Plan and Historic Preservation Commission Guidelines.

The top three economic drivers …art, history and cultural development, walk ability and sense of place, waterfront and environment…have been consistent beginning with the 1977 Downtown Revitalization Plan and have been a key to the success of this 35 year effort.  

To maintain the momentum and insure downtown continues to have a strong economic base, on-going challenges and priorities that must be considered and met are: sustainability, entrepreneurship, an expanded retail mix, on-going redevelopment of the waterfront and integration between the core retail area and waterfront, and the expansion of cultural and entertainment venues.

Small businesses need to be able to endure by adapting to the economic, environmental and cultural changes that occur over the long term. The business environment needs to encourage more local entrepreneurs to establish businesses in the greater downtown area.  Increasing the diversity of the types of retail businesses will support the sustainability of the downtown.  Types of retail that have been identified as lacking include, appliances, shoes, electronics/computer, groceries, entertainment venues, cameras, sewing, sporting goods and home furnishings. Many of those who visit and/or relocate to the New Bern area do so because of the access to the water.  There is still a portion of the waterfront that needs redevelopment and improvement. An increase in the number and types of cultural and entertainment venues will help sustainability by bringing more people into the downtown area after normal business hours.

Many feel we have reached the pinnacle of success…we're there, we are  a “Main Street success story”! However, we cannot rest on our laurels or become complacent. There is much more to do. By continuing to work together, we can meet the challenges.

Susan Moffat Thomas
Executive Director



Vash Ti
 Fine Apparel - Middle Street



My Favorite Things
Gift Shop - Middle Street

MJ's Raw Bar & Grill
New Outdoor Dining - Middle Street



New Bern Artworks & Company, Gallery &
Studio 323 - Pollock St.



Downtown ARTWALK Friday, March 9, 5 - 8 pm

Downtown’s ARTWALK is a great way to enjoy the work of so many fine artists and have an enjoyable evening absorbing the ambience of downtown, attending receptions, ambling along the streets, meeting and greeting friends and acquaintances, browsing through the many shops and dining in one of the many fine restaurants.

The Bank of the Arts features the 11^th Annual Craven County Schools student art exhibit and opening reception with pianist Dayton Vesper; MJs Raw Bar & Grill displays abstract paintings by Lisa Bisbee; New Bern ArtWorks & Co. reception kicks off an exhibit by Eric McRay, Not Just Pretty Pictures; Raleigh artist Dan Nelson’s oil paintings, Painting the Town - New Bern, will be at Carolina Creations; Mimi Dixon’s work is on exhibit at the Next Chapter Bookstore, and Charles Hines work will be at the Farmer’s Market. Local authors Flora Ann Scearce will also be at the Next Chapter and Phil Bowie at the Farmer’s Market.

It’s hard to believe the changes that have taken place over the past 35 years…in the early days of the revitalization effort, we could only dream events like this  would actually become a reality. How fortunate we are to live in New Bern.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director