New Bern to host Mumfest next weekend

The 34th annual Mumfest will be Oct. 11 and 12
along the streets of New Bern’s downtown district and along the waterfront.

Vendors and visitors for New Bern’s largest outdoor event — Mumfest — will begin arriving next week for the Oct. 11 and 12 festival on the city’s waterfront downtown.

Sponsored by the city, it is a production of Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corp. and annually attracts upwards of 100,000 festival-goers from across the Southeast.

Swiss Bear Executive Director Susan Moffat-Thomas said the history and restoration of the city is a drawing card.

Also, visitors can spend a little or a lot with more than 300 commercial and nonprofit exhibitors. The array includes pottery, crafts and art.

There is always plenty of food in booths along the downtown district streets, as well as two days of free entertainment. That includes live bands, dance troupes, magicians, roving street performers, face painters and mermen and mermaids.

Another tradition is a pay riverfront amusement park on the Neuse River, with lots of rides, including a Ferris wheel.

Title sponsor Joe Alcoke Auto and Truck Center will bring NASCAR to the festival with an exhibit from the Richard Childress Racing Team. It includes famous stock cars and two racing simulators to allow visitors to test their driving skill — for free.

Also featured will be the X-POGO Stunt Team, performing extreme pogo exhibition. These world class athletes fly up to nine feet in the air, doing flips and other stunts on their high-powered pogo sticks.

The popular Signora Bella will balance on her orb of doom while juggling Turkish swords — all the while telling tales of her journeys.

Along with Bella will be Rick Hubbard with Juggle Stuff — teaching the audience how to juggle.

A number of favorites will return, including Alex Clark, the comedian who performs jaw-dropping stunts; the Purina Incredible Dog Team making aerial disc catches; the Silver Drummer Girl; a huge model train show, and the New Bern Police’s K-9s, along with the Weller Kennels Labrador retriever demonstrations.

The out of water 15th annual Boat Show will be a place to find a new boat or water-related gear.

More music can be found on Oct. 11 in the Christ Church Ministry Center, 305 Middle St., with the Fairfield Harbour chorus, ENCORE Craven Community Chorus and Down East Dulcimers/New Bern Suzuki Strings.

Wine and beer connoisseurs will enjoy sampling a wide variety of craft wines and beers at the Galley Store’s second annual “Juice on the Neuse Festival.”

“Big Kids Stuff and Lil’ Kids Stuff” will be back this year with Poly and Ester; the famous Gabardine Sisters; master storyteller Steve Myott; mask-maker Steve Wille; and Gary Shelton’s Magic shows.

Every festival has lots of chrysanthemums and Tryon Palace will serve them up in its gardens, which will be open free Oct. 10 to 12. The Palace also will have its bi-annual Heritage Plant Sale on Oct. 11 and 12.

On Oct. 12, join in the 5k run, sponsored by the Coastal Women’s Shelter. Registration will begin at 7 a.m. at Union Point Park.

Also, Tokyo Rosenthal and Gumbo Lily will be performing with other talented members of the N.C. Songwriters. They will perform on the main stage by the Galley Store at East Front and Pollock streets.

Something new this year will be Shepard’s Point Tours of Morehead City, providing boat rides between Lawson Creek Park and Union Point Park. A small fee makes this new attraction possible, sponsored by Woodforest National Bank.

Those who park at the New Bern Mall can travel downtown by free trolley, which is sponsored by Little Caesar’s Pizza and Swiss Bear.

For more, visit mumfest.com on the web.

MUMFEST has Scalawags and Pirates, Puppets, Magicians, Trains and Rides for Kids of All Ages!

With two days of free entertainment including live bands, dance troupes, magicians, roving street performers and face painters it’s no wonder over 100,000 festival goers attend MUMFEST every year. 

Everyone’s favorites will be back this year!  The amazing Alex Clark in Project Dynamite will make you laugh while he performs jaw dropping stunts. Also back is the Purina Incredible Dog Team with the talented canines that make amazing aerial disc catches. The Silver Drummer Girl, a Model Train Show and NBPD’s K-9s will also be back along with Weller Retriever demonstrations.

The Carolina Puppet Theatre with Ms. Poly and Ms. Ester, the wacky Gabardine sisters are bringing Puddles the Duck, Bartlet, the super-duper star and other unusual puppet friends. Steve Myott, a master storyteller, will also be entertaining everyone with wonderful tales and striking masks.

New this year! Pirates in training take heed! The Scalawag Skool for Aspiring Pirates can be found at Union Point Park. Lads and lassies ages 6-12 will be schooled in pirate vocabulary and cutlass skills on how not to lose your head. All Scalawags are furnished with a plastic cutlass, paper pirate hat, eye patch and earring. Upon graduation they are presented with a copy of the Krew Rules before being sent off to plunder the towne. 

The Twin Rivers Artist Assoc. will feature “Building Creative Minds” on Sunday at  the Bank of the Arts for children ages 5 and up. They will make clay ornaments, paintings, sculptures and charm bracelets. This free project is led by Arts Council Volunteers. Donations are accepted for art supplies in the Craven County Schools.

Many Mumfesters will choose to kick off the day with a waterfront ferry boat ride from Lawson Creek; others will arrive downtown by trolley. Arriving at MUMFEST on foot also works well. Come to MUMFEST by water, trolley or park downtown – however you get here – come join in the fun because there really is something for everyone!

Title Sponsor: Joe Alcoke Auto & Truck Center
MUMFEST is produced by Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corp. – 252-638-5781
swissbear@swissbear.org

MUMFEST is non-stop free family fun!

       

MUMFEST will fill New Bern’s historic downtown with free family entertainment this coming October 11-12. Non-stop entertainment includes the 2014 Corvette Show, the 13-time world champion X-POGO Stunt Team, the Incredible Purina Dog Show, Signora Bella, (the great Italian equilibrist who juggles knives and balances on the orb of doom), and Alex Clark in Project Dynamite is simply amazing, JuggleStuff with Rick Hubbard, Poly and Ester, the Gabardine Sisters and the master storyteller and mask maker, Steve Myott!  

Festival goers will also enjoy climbing aboard the trailerable boats found at the Boat Show at Union Point Park.

MUMFEST fits everyone’s budget with two days of free entertainment including a wide variety of music from several new and exciting bands, dance troupes, magicians, roving street performers, puppeteers, face painters and clowns.

MUMFEST weekend in New Bern, NC attracts festival goers from across the southeast to experience this award winning festival located in the beautiful historic downtown and along the waterfront. Mumfesters can spend a little or spend a lot with over 300 commercial and nonprofit exhibitors to choose from including pottery, crafts, art, and a tasty variety of savory food. 

Take a free ride on the trolley car or park downtown, however you get here, come join the fun because there really is something for everyone! Check frequently on the MUMFEST website to learn all about this year’s festival:  www.mumfest.com 

MUMFEST Title Sponsor: Joe Alcoke Auto & Truck Center

MUMFEST is produced by Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corp. www.swissbear@swissbear.org

Media contact: Nancy Hawley   nancy.hawley.nh@gmail.com  252-349-4741

The Magic of MUMFEST!

  

MUMFEST weekend, October 12 -13, attracts festival goers from across the southeast to experience this award winning festival located in the restored historic downtown of New Bern, NC. Mumfesters can spend a little or a lot with over 300 commercial and non profit exhibitors to choose from including pottery, crafts, and art. Some might say the temptation is too much when they discover dozens of booths filled with a wide variety of savory foods guaranteed to tempt anyone’s appetite.  

MUMFEST fits all budgets with two days of free entertainment including live bands with music ranging from beach to barbershop, dance troupes, magicians, roving street performers, face painters, and clowns. In addition to all the free entertainment there’s a riverfront amusement park with lots of exciting rides, including a waterfront Ferris Wheel ($).

Talk about exciting rides, what is more exciting than NASCAR? TitleSponsor, Joe Alcoke Auto and Truck Center, is bringing NASCAR to MUMFEST with an exhibit from the Richard Childress Racing Team featuring three famous stock cars, #3, #29, #31 and two racing simulators. That’s right, legendary No. 3 will be at MUMFEST. The two racing simulators will allow Mumfesters to test their driving skill – all for free!

Free family entertainment also features the X-POGO Stunt Team performing the most talented extreme pogo exhibitions in the world! The team is coming straight from POGOPALOOZA in New York City where they just won several world championship titles. These world class athletes fly up to 9 feet in the air, doing flips and other stunts on their high-powered pogo sticks.

Everyone’s MUMFEST favorites are back this year, including Alex Clark, the super funny comedian who performs jaw dropping stunts, the Purina Incredible Dog Team with canine athletes making amazing aerial disc catches, the Silver Drummer Girl, a huge Model Train Show, NBPD’s K-9s will be back along with Weller Kennels Labrador retriever demonstrations.

The out of water 13^th Annual Boat Show is a must see for boaters and wannabe boaters. There’s still plenty of good weather to enjoy a new boat and there is nothing like being out on the water letting your boat drift along with the tide listening to relaxing music.   

More music an be found on Saturday in the Christ Church Ministry at 305 Middle Street with the Fairfield Harbour chorus, ENCORE Craven Community Chorus and Down East Dulcimers / New Bern Suzuki Strings.

The NC Songwriters Co-op will entertain Mumfesters with their original music on Sunday afternoon. If you hope to become a songwriter, the NC Songwriters Co-op members are happy to share helpful tips and offer positive critiques if you bring them examples of your song writing,

All this singing makes everyone thirsty! Wine and beer connoisseurs will enjoy sampling a wide variety of craft wines and beers at the Galley Store’s “Juice on the Neuse Festival” with music and hors d’oeuvres at Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant included in the admission fee. NC grown wines may be sampled and purchased in the elegant Little River Wine Tasting Room on Craven Street ($). The Doubletree by Hilton is hosting its first Beer Garden Festival.

BIG KIDSTUFF and Lil’ Kidstuff is back this year with Poly and Ester, the famous Gabardine Sisters, Steve Myott, a master storyteller and mask maker, Steve Wille and Gary Shelton’s Magic shows and the amazing Zoltan, the levitating man!  Kidstuff is in a new location this year so check the map in the Sun Journal’s MUMFEST tabloid.

Every MUMFEST has lots of chrysanthemums and Tryon Palace serves them up in their magnificent gardens, which are open free Friday throughSunday. The palace also has its bi-annual Heritage Plant Sale on Fridayand Saturday. Gardeners will be on hand to answer your planting questions. Inside tours require a ticket but outside tours of the palace’s many gardens are free.

On your walk back from Tryon Palace stroll over to see the New Bern Firemen’s Museum to learn New Bern’s fascinating firefighting history.. Be sure to stop by the popular Farmers Market for all kinds of crafts and jellies and jams.

On Sunday morning join in the 5K Run sponsored by the Coastal Women’s Shelter. Registration begins at 7 a.m. at Union Point Park.

Make plans now to come to MUMFEST by water taxi, trolley or park downtown – however you get here – come join the fun because there really is something for everyone!

To learn all about MUMFEST go to www.mumfest.com. 

Something for everyone at Mumfest 2013

Sun Journal: September 19, 2013

New Bern’s largest outdoor festival — Mumfest — is less than a month away, with crowds of 90,000 expected to flood the city streets and waterfront Oct. 12 and 13.

More than 300 commercial and nonprofit exhibitors will be on hand with pottery, crafts and art, along with dozens of food booths.

The festival fits everyone’s budget, since it is two days of free entertainment, including live bands with music ranging from beach to barbershop, dance troupes, magicians, roving street performers, face painters and clowns.

In addition to all the free entertainment, there’s a riverfront amusement park with lots of ticketed rides.

Here is a glimpse at some of the other top attractions:

The Richard Childress Racing Team knows all about exciting rides, and title sponsor Joe Alcoke Auto and TruckCenter brings NASCAR to Mumfest with three famous stock cars — including the No. 3 of the late Dale Earnhardt.

Two simulators will allow fans to feel the racing experience.

Free family entertainment also features the X-POGO Stunt Team performing the most extreme pogo exhibitions in the world. The team has won several world championship titles in competition held in New York City.

Many favorites return, including comedian/stunt man Alex Clark; the Purina Incredible Dog Team; the Silver Drummer Girl; a huge model train show; New Bern Police’s K-9s and the Weller Kennels Labrador retriever demonstrations.

The 12th annual Mumfest Boat Show features coastal and offshore vessels on display in Union Point Park.

The N.C. Songwriters Co-op performs Oct. 13, sharing songwriting tips and critiquing visitors’ songwriting ability. The Co-op will also entertain original songs.

The traditional Lil’Kidstuff stage has programming both days, with magic shows, storytellers and other entertainment.

The Christ Church Ministry Center has several programs on Oct. 12 — the Fairfield Harbour Chorus, ENCORE, the Craven Community College chorus and also the Down East Dulcimers and New Bern Suzuki Strings.

Wine and beer connoisseurs will enjoy a variety of wine and beer samples at the Galley Store’s “Juice on the Neuse Wine Fest.” N.C. grown wines can be sampled and purchased at the Little River Wine Tasting Room on Craven Street.

Every Mumfest needs lots of chrysanthemums and Tryon Palace serves them up in their magnificent gardens, which are open free Oct. 11 to 13. The palace also has its bi-annual Heritage Plant Sale on Oct. 11 and 12. Gardeners will be on hand to answer your planting questions. Inside tours require a ticket, but outside tours of the palace’s many gardens are free.

The New Bern Firemen’s Museum is a popular venue to learn about New Bern’s fascinating firefighting history.

New Bern Parks and Recreation is offering a 5K run Oct. 13, with registration at 7 a.m. The 5K is at 7:30 a.m. Those events start and finish at Union Point Park. It features a flat course that winds its way through downtown New Bern. The cost is $25 for pre-registration and $30 for day of registration. Registration forms can be filled out on Active.com.

Contact Trevor Freitas at 639-2907 or freitast@newbern-nc.org

There is also a 1-mile Fun Walk scheduled after the 5K begins.

Visitors can come to the festival by water taxi, trolley or park downtown.

On the web: mumfest.com

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 again, thanks to the Robinson and Stith Insurance Agency.

Sparky the Fire Dog

The agency is providing the funds to have Kids Fire Safety House at MUMFEST 2013. Their employees provide the volunteer help, distribute free fire prevention coloring books, crayons and stickers and Sparky the Fire Dog will "meet and greet" adding to the fun.

The City acquired the Kids 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. Simulated smoke teaches kids how to safely evacuate from a second floor bedroom and how to properly 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 12-13.

Susan Moffat-Thomas
Executive Director

Run for the MUM's ... a festival favorite!

The 5K Run sponsored by New Bern Parks & Recreation Department, is a featured festival favorite. This venue continues to grow in the number of registrations every year offering awards in various age groups.

5K Run Mumfest 2012

Beginning and ending in Union Point Park in the early morning Sunday, October 13, the flat course goes throughout New Bern's scenic historic district.

The 5K Run begins at 7:30 a.m. Awards are presented to the overall 1st, 2nd and 3rd place male and female runners in each age group.

Mumfest 2012 - 5K Run winners in
respective groups

Early registration is $25 and $30 the day of the race. Pre-registered runners will receive a t-shirt.

To register on line click here or for more information, contact Trevor Freitas at (252) 639-2907,  email freitast@newbern-nc.org

Extreme pogo, Earnhardt exhibit added to MUMFEST

The XPOGO Stunt Team members leap upwards
of 10 feet while performing their acrobatic jumps

The famed NO.3 GM Goodwrench Service Plus Chevrolet
Monte Carlo of the late seven-time NASCAR Winston Cup
Champion Dale Earnhardt is among three NASCAR
racing machines that will be on display at MUMFEST.

Extreme pogo and a classic race car exhibit are among the latest attractions added to this year’s MUMFEST.

The annual two-day October festival is New Bern’s largest outdoor event, drawing upwards of 100,000 visitors. The Oct. 12-13 festival is produced Swiss Bear Development Corp.

Richard Childress Racing is bringing the No. 3 GM Goodwrench Service Plus Chevrolet Monte Carlo, driven by the late seven-time NASCAR Winston Cup Champion Dale Earnhardt, to MUMFEST.

Earnhardt and Richard Childress Racing earned 43 of their 67 victories and four of their seven championships together in the famed No. 3 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

It is still one of the most recognizable race cars in the world.

Childress Racing also will bring two other race cars, the No. 29 Caterpillar and the No. 31 Budweiser machine.

NASCAR fans also will be able to test their driving skills in one of two simulators.

Joe Alcoke Auto & Truck Center is sponsoring Richard Childress Racing’s exhibit.

New this year is the XPOGO Stunt Team, the top extreme pogo exhibition team in the world, with high, acrobatic jumps.

The team currently holds 13 world records and Guinness records earned at Pogopalooza competitions since 2004. Their worldwide performances — from Rio to Beijing to Hong Kong and Europe — have helped grow the popularity of this extreme sport.

Pogopalooza — the world championship of extreme pogo — began in a parking lot in Nebraska in 2004 with six teams. Now, in its 10th year, Pogopalooza has grown into a major sporting event. This year’s world championship will be held July 26-28 in New York City.

Extreme Pogo is an action sport performed on next generation pogo sticks that have the potential to bounce more than 10 feet in the air, measuring from the ground to the bottom of the tip of the pogo stick.

Video on the web: xpogo.com

“MUMFEST fits everyone’s budget with two days of free entertainment, including live bands with music from beach to rock and barbershop. Dance troupes, magicians, roving street performers and face painters add color to the excitement,” according to a MUMFEST release.

Traditional MUMFEST favorites including Alex Clark, performing jaw-dropping stunts; Purina Incredible Dog Team with amazing aerial disc catches; the Silver Drummer Girl; a model train show; Little River Winery mobile tasting room; and NBPD’s K-9s will be back this year.

Also on tap are the Weller Retriever demonstrations and the 13th annual boat show.

Participants also can try their hand at songwriting and get feedback from published songwriters performing original songs.

For wine and beer connoisseurs, there will be a variety of samplings at the Galley Store’s “Juice on the Neuse” Wine and Beer Festival including — “3” — a tribute wine by Childress to his friend Earnhardt from the Childress Vineyard.

On the web: mumfest.com

Sun Journal: July 14, 2013

What's New At Mumfest

Mumfester’s for the most part love tradition…funnel cakes, amusement rides (especially the Ferris wheel), the many vendors with a large assortment of unique items and the long standing festival attractions. They also look forward to something new, a venue that will become a tradition, like the Incredible Purina Dog Show and they won’t be disappointed! Here’s what’s new at MUMFEST 2012

On the Water

SEAFAIR, one of the ten largest privately owned mega yachts in the United States, is a floating art gallery with three decks of fine art, sculpture and photography for sale; docked at the New Bern Grand Marina behind the Doubletree Hilton Hotel it is open for tours Friday through Sunday.

CRYSTAL COAST LADY offers one and a half hour fully narrated scenic nature and history tours aboard the 75’ super cruiser with enclosed and open air seating on the upper and lower decks, a kids steering station, giant bow viewing area, full snack bar and galley and clean, modern restrooms.

LOOKOUT LADY, the 49 passenger ecology tour vessel offers a relaxing getaway from the hectic excitement of the festival with two hour historic and scenic nature river tours. 

In the Midway

The INDY TOUR features the Detroit Chevrolet Grand Prix of Belle Isle Indy show car, a 4L85 transmission, several high performance engines, plus a display of Chevrolet accessories and performance parts.

RING CITY ROLLERGIRLS, a female flat track roller derby team based in Kinston, will be demonstrating the skills and tricks used in the world of roller derby.

Willy the Hillbilly, the popular character representing Mountain Dew in the 1960s, will entertain crowds on Saturday and Sunday.

New Stage

On Sunday, the NC Songwriters Co-op will entertain crowds with newly written songs performed by members of the Songwriters’ Cooperative. 

New Eats

Pumpkin funnel cakes, deep fried butter, alligator bites, shrimp and grits, bacon wrapped scallops, Shawarma and crab fritters, in addition the all the traditional favorites.

In The Park

Expansion of the Boat Show will include Outdoor Recreation exhibits and on-going demonstrations of standup paddle boarding, canoes, kayaks, cycling, motor cross sports, spas, jet ski dealers, outdoor adventure clubs and the Gables Run Equestrian Center is bringing Peanut the Pony for photo opps with children.

On the Downtown Streets

ARTZONE features artists working in different genres with art demonstrations and exhibits en plein air (outside) and in galleries along the 300 block of Pollock Street and throughout the downtown.

QR code signage throughout the festival for smart phone owners to check on schedules and locations.

For a full list of activities, attractions and performance schedules go to mumfest.com. For your convenience, you can download the map of the festival area and/or pull out the center section of the Sun Journal tab delivered to subscribers on Thursday.

See you at MUMFEST…pray for good weather!

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

MUMFEST Tab/Program

In today’s Sun Journal, the MUMFEST tab/program is inserted to provide a total overview of all that will be happening during the festival weekend. In addition to the many, many venues, entertainment, information of the free continuous shuttles, the drop off and pick-up locations, a map of the festival area with a complete schedule of times for the shows, demonstrations and entertainment is included. The map page was designed as a pull out to make it convenient for festival-goers to take with them so they won’t have to worry or wonder where everything is located.

Stacey Swann, who works for Scott Embrey, put the tab together which I’m sure everyone can see was an enormous challenge. Designing and arranging so much material to fit within the 32 pages was quite a feat. We applaud her for her creativity and all the hard work that went into it.

For those who don’t subscribe to the Sun Journal, copies will be available (as long as they last) at the Swiss Bear booth at the corner of Broad and Middle and at the Sun Journal booth near the entry to Union Point Park on Saturday and Sunday. You may also go to mumfest.com and click on the festival map button to easily print a copy to take with you. For those with smart phones, QR code signage will be located throughout the festival. We worked to make it as convenient as possible for festival-goers to know what is going on. We don’t want you or your family to miss anything as there is truly something for everyone!

The weather forecast indicates we will have nice weather (a great relief) so we look forward to record crowds and a fun-filled family weekend. 

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director 

Coastal Photo Club - MUMFEST Scavenger Hunt



Coastal Photo Club - Mumfest 2011

One of the challenges of MUMFEST weekend is having the time to take numerous photos that capture the  spirit of the festival and are good enough to use the following year for marketing, so we are happy to report the Coastal Photo Club for the second year in a row is embracing this challenge. To add to the esprit de corps, the Club sent members a scavenger hunt list of 30 phrases they need to capture in their photo’s… reminds you of the sun, brings joy to a parent, floats in the sky, spun sugar, makes music, on four wheels, that which best exemplifies MUMFEST 2012. It’s a great list and will surely produce some great photos.  

The Coastal Photo Club meets the second Saturday of each month at Centenary United Methodist Church in downtown New Bern, NC at 9:30 a.m. This active group sponsors many activities including  youth photography workshops, workshops on photographic history, mini and major competitions with special themes, taking publicity shots at special events (like MUMFEST and Riverfest), organizing photo gallery exhibits and seasonal photo worthy events. They also enjoy the camaraderie of members with cookouts and other get-togethers throughout the year.

The home page of the Club’s website www.coastalphotoclub.com to our delight, has a photo of a group of their members at MUMFEST, camera’s in hand, ready to shoot!

If you or someone you know, might be interested in joining the Club, contact President Judy Hills at ahills@suddenlink.net

 for more information. You can also go to their website and download an application form. It's a great way to sharpen your photographic skills, particiate in the numerous activities, share your interst and enjoy the friendship of a great group of people.Swiss Bear and MUMFEST appreciate the Coastal Photo Club’s willingness to share their time, talent and interest with us and look forward to seeing an array of photos capturing a fun-filled family weekend.

How about you…do you plan to take pictures at MUMFEST? We'd love to see them.

Susan Moffat Thomas
Executive Director



SeaFair Arrives...



SeaFair 228' Yacht

What a treat it will be to watch the colossal 228 foot SeaFair maneuver through the Cunningham Bridge and dock at the New Bern Grand Marina. Captain Craig Matthews expects the yacht (ship) to arrive in New Bern around 2:30 pm.  Although SeaFair is one of the largest commercial vessels that travels in the Intercoastal Waterway, it can dock at the New Bern Grand Marina as it was designed to have a draft of only 6.5 feet,  the depth at the Marina.  

It will be a spectacular sight and the newest major venue for MUMFEST.

The opening gala, Arts Ahoy will be held Thursday evening, an elegant casual affair  celebrating the unveiling of the SeaFair Collection, 28 galleries filled with art by nationally known artists and photographers. Butlered canapés, fine champagne and wine, guests can mingle with Governor Perdue and Larry Wheeler, Director of the North Carolina Art Museum and enjoy an evening unlike any other that has ever  been held in New Bern.


SeaFair Yacht

Tickets can be purchased through  http://www.cravenarts.org/  or at the Bank of the Arts. This fundraising event benefits the Craven Arts Council and Swiss Bear, organizations committed to the betterment of downtown and the community.

Special thanks to this outstanding community for supporting our many events, projects and MUMFEST. We are looking forward to an outstanding week.

Tell us what you think.

Susan Moffat Thomas
Executive Director

October 7-14 An Incredible Week For New Bern

Committee members (L to R)
Judy Avery, Nancy Stallings,Danielle Glynn, Melissa Riggle,
Nancy Wyatt, Jim Bisbee, Sandy Bruno
Members not pictured
Susan Moffat-Thomas, Linda Mattocks, Carol Tokarski, Alison Mattocks, Mary Harris

The Arts Ahoy Committee met on Monday morning and we were all happy to hear the tickets are selling extremely well and may be a sell-out. The good news provided the enthusiasm for all of us to embrace the many details that remain to insure the event will be a grand affair., i.e. selection of hors d oeuvres from the list submitted by Seafair’s chef, booking entertainment for the three decks for the First View, organizing guest registration for the evening of the event, parking…the list is long but our able committee members are taking it in stride and everything should go as planned.

The Arts Ahoy gala marks the inaugural of this mega yacht’s stay in New Bern with the unveiling of The SeaFair Collection to include works of art from a broad array of paintings, prints, sculpture and photography by contemporary artists, all available for sale. Artists include Robert Cottingham, Thomas Hartmann and pop-artist icons Robert Indiana, Jim Dine, Tom Wesselman and many others. In addition to the 28 galleries filled with art, there are two outdoor bars, a coffee bar and an open-air bistro and bar on the Sky Deck. What a great venue for MUMFEST’s 32^nd year.

Captain Craig Matthews notified us they departed from Brooklyn at 9:45 am on Monday, expect to reach Morehead City Thursday morning to take on fuel and then on to New Bern arriving, weather-permitting, on Sunday. It will be fascinating to see this 228 foot yacht arrive and watch as Captain Matthews maneuvers the enormous vessel so it can dock at the New Bern Grand Marina.

Arts Ahoy featuring nationally known artists on Thursday, acclaimed musicians performing at the Four Seasons concert on Friday, MUMFEST on Saturday and Sunday with dozens of venues…what an incredible week…what an incredible reputation New Bern is building!

What do you think?

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

Five Things to Do in My Town...New Bern and Craven County

Kudos to Our State magazine for the series 5 Things to Do In My Town, asking readers to become tour guides and tell everyone what to do when they visit their town and publishing them on their website. http://www.ourstate.com/new-bern/

And kudos to Wendy Card, Susan Cook and Thea Kinkaid for doing just that. Readers can go to it and read a very comprehensive article on what to see and do in New Bern and Craven County. It is an enticement that is very timely in encouraging visitors to come and enjoy all the City has to offer.

When I called the owner of the mega yacht Seafair last year in late October to inquire if they would come to MUMFEST 2012 (Seafair was at the 2011 Seafood Festival) the objective was having a new art venue at MUMFEST that would draw visitors from across the state and showcase our city as a cultural art center.

The festival, originally created as a revitalization strategy to bring people downtown, has continued to do so on a large scale by expanding with the community’s support into a major signature, award winning event with an economic impact of over $5 million.

The big push now is working with the Tourism Development Authority to increase “heads on beds”, i.e. attracting visitors to the festival to stay for a minimum of two, three or four days, filling our hotels, eating in our restaurants, shopping and visiting our museums and attractions.

SeaFair, with three decks and 28 galleries of fine art, jewelry and sculpture, has the potential of helping us reach that goal. Downtown’s reputation as an art and cultural center is burgeoning. Our partnership with the Craven Arts Council & Gallery to kick off the festival festivities with Arts Ahoy, a fundraising art venue aboard SeaFair, moored at the New Bern Grand Marina, will benefit both organizations and reinforce the importance of the arts in this community. The support of many businesses and organizations for this venue and goal is further strengthened by the support of Governor Beverly Perdue and Larry Wheeler, Executive Director of the NC Art Museum who are serving as hosts for the Arts Ahoy First View of the two tier opening.

Several thousand invitations were mailed statewide with an insert inviting people to attend this event and extend their stay throughout the weekend. For the first time on Friday, retailers and artists will host unique art exhibits, lecture series, concerts and more to enhance visitors to take advantage of this outstanding weekend.

Our State’s publication of 5 Things to Do in New Bern couldn’t be timelier, as it is probably a good bet the majority of those who receive our invitation to the October 11 Arts Ahoy event are also Our State subscribers.The website http://www.visitnewbern.com/ offers further encouragement with a Charm package offering discounts for accommodations, shops and attractions.

The article submitted by three of New Bern's biggest cheerleaders, Wendy, Susan and Thea will surely play a major role in helping us reach our goal of enticing visitors to discover a city rich in the arts, culture, history, outdoor recreation and community spirit, festival weekend and beyond.

It takes a village!

Tell us what you think.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Run for the MUM's...a festival favorite!

The 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Walk sponsored by New Bern Parks & Recreation Department, is a featured festival favorite. This venue continues to grow in the number of registrations every year offering awards in various age groups.  Beginning and ending in Union Point Park in the early morning on Sunday, the flat course goes throughout New Bern’s scenic historic district.

The 5K begins at 7:30 a.m., the Fun Walk at 7:35 a.m. Awards are presented to the overall 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place male/female runners in each age group.

Early registration is $20, $25 the day of the race. Pre-registered runners and walkers receive a T-Shirt.

For more information, email Trevor Freitas at freitast@newbern-nc.org 

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

MUMFEST 2012....biggest and best

As the days fly by and we move closer and closer to MUMFEST weekend, Danielle and I are very appreciative of the City, sponsor’s and volunteers' support. Needless to say, there is a long list of “to do’s” with deadlines that seem impossible to make, however we meet the challenge and get everything completed on time…sometimes, much to our amazement!

SeaFair 228' mega yacht

The on-going calls from businesses wanting to participate is welcomed as we always look for new venues to keep it fresh, along with old favorites. New this year is SeaFair, the 228 foot mega yacht. Docked at the New Bern Grand Marina, this exceptional venue will attract people near and far. Race car fans can get revved up with the Indy Tour featuring the Detroit Chevrolet Grand Prix of Belle Isle Indy show car. On Sunday, the NC Songwriter’s Co-op's stage (in the area between the Sudan Temple and County Administration building) showcases talented songwriters in Eastern NC.    



Artist painting en plein air

To promote the many talented artists in this area, ARTZONE will be located on the 300 block of Pollock Street with artists painting en plein air on the sidewalks and in the galleries. It offers an opportunity for artists to showcase their work, talk with festival-goers about their art and serve as ambassadors to encourage visitors to return and enjoy downtown’s beauty and  “sense of place” at a later date.

The Crystal Coast Lady Cruises will provide one and a half hour cruises on Lookout Lady, a 49 passenger Eco-Tour vessel leaving from Union Point Parks docks and the Crystal Coast Lady, a 75’ super cruiser with narrated tours from the New Bern Grand Marina Dock F… a nice opportunity to take a break from the hubbub and excitement on the streets and enjoy relaxing leisurely cruises on the Neuse and Trent River.

Stand up paddle boarding
photo courtesy of Stand Up Outfitters

The decision to expand the Boat Show to include Outdoor Life & Recreation is coming together. Big Kahuna Pools Spas & More is providing a 12’ x 24’ pool (located in the area behind the Union Point restrooms) for demos on stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking and canoeing, an addition we are happy to have as a part of this new venue.

Chaz the Magician at Mumfest

Additional roving street entertainment, adding color to the street…Willie the Hillbilly Mountain Dew mascot and the possibility of having the Chick-fil-A Cow playing a set of drums and dancing and mingling with kids of all ages.

There’s no doubt, MUMFEST 2012 promises to be the best yet and we are working as hard as we can to live up to that promise.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

Mumfest 2011