Non profit booths are part of Mumfest's long heritage

Greg Smith is kept busy filling in the color as mums
 are purchased at Mitchell Hardware on Craven Street
as residents prepare to celebrate the Annual
Mum Festival this weekend.

Amid the 300-plus vendors filling six blocks of downtown New Bern today and Sunday are upward of 50 local nonprofits and other charitable organizations that use the event to get public exposure and offer information about their causes.

The charitable groups represent the heritage backbone of the event, which began as a minor show more than three decades ago.

It has continued under the guidance of Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corp. into one of the premier festivals in the Southeast.

Groups such as Vietnam Veterans of America, ChAapter 886 get the opportunity at Mumfest to share information that many people may not know.

“Our chapter’s focus is to provide information and support not just to Vietnam veterans but all veterans regarding medical care, VA disability claims, or family survival benefits veterans earned in service of our country,” said Dobert Owsley, the chapter president.

The nonprofits are intermingled with the hundreds of vendors along a festival area that includes Broad Street, from Hancock to East Front Street; one block sections of Middle and Craven streets off of Broad; and East Front extending to South Front Street.

There is parking at public lots downtown and a free shuttle service is provided from New Bern Mall on the half-hour. It is available Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The mall pick-up is at the rear parking lot of J.C. Penny.

There is designated handicapped parking in the O. Marks parking lot on Hancock Street.

Most of the events, except for musical and dancing groups, are scheduled both days.

Free musical events begin at 11 a.m. with a today-only performance at the Christ Church Ministry Center on Middle Street. It features the New Bern Suzuki Strings, Down East Dulcimers and the Craven Community College Chorus ENCORE performing.

Another today-only venue is on Broad Street, beside the Sudan Shrine Center — site of dancing and drill performances by the area’s leading dance studios and schools, along with the New Bern High Drill Team and the Tryon Palace Fife & Drum Corps.

The main stage on East Front Street has different music each day.

Today at 11:30 a.m. and continuing until 6:30 p.m., the performers include DNA — A Band of Brothers; Gaylon Pope and Sweet Water and Billy Holton and the Soul Shakers.

There is an amusement park on East Front Street, with Michael’s Enterprises, a mobile midway company, with rides, games and food.

There is also a special Lil’ KIDSTUFF KORNER, under the tent at the corner of Broad and Craven streets.

It has magicians, story-tellers, mask-makers and other performers each day beginning at 10 a.m. such as the Gary Shelton, Poly & Ester, Steve Myott, Steve Willie and the Garbardine Sisters.

At 11 a.m. today and Sunday, there is the Scalawag School for Aspiring Pirates at Union Point Park for youngsters ages 6 to 12. 

There is also chainsaw carving in the park by Boon Hill Gallery.

A local historical location open for the festival is the New Bern Firemen’s Museum on Hancock Street.

Tryon Palace’s gardens are open both days. The Palace’s annual Heritage Plant Sale continues this morning.

For detailed information, on the web: mumfest.com

MUMFEST BANNER SALES   

       FUNDRAISER FOR NEW BERN ROTARY

The Rotary Club of New Bern and Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corporation are working together again this year in support of the Rotary Club’s community service projects.   

Area businesses may show their support by sponsoring a MUMFEST banner, which will have their company’s name displayed on both sides of the banner for only $160. The banners, made of vinyl and measuring 22” x 37” are hung from downtown streetlights for approximately six weeks beginning in mid-September. After MUMFEST the banners become the property of the sponsor to display in their business.  

The Rotary Club of New Bern through its fundraising efforts supports many community service projects each year, such as awarding college scholarships and making sizable grants to the Salvation Army, RCS, Merci Clinic, YMCA, Creekside Park and Habitat for Humanity.

Because the opportunity to sponsor a banner ends July 30, 2014, area businesses should email Sandra McKinney sandramckinney@suddenlink.net  or call Swiss Bear (252.638.5781). Banner applications may also be downloaded at www.mumfest.com by clicking on the banner-merchandising button near the top of the homepage.

Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corporation produces MUMFEST, a City sponsored event with the support of area businesses and organizations.  Title Sponsor: Joe Alcoke Auto and Truck Center.

Festival proceeds help fund MUMFEST expenses and downtown revitalization projects.  MUMFEST draws an estimated 100,000 visitors to New Bern's historic downtown. 

The beautifully restored downtown and riverfront, unique shops, art galleries, restaurants and historic homes make New Bern a destination for many travelers. To learn more about MUMFEST and Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corporation go to downtownnewbern.com  or mumfest.com.

Tel: 252-638-5781

Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corporation

316 South Front Street, PO Box 597, New Bern, NC 28563

Media Contact: Nancy Hawley – 252.349.4741 (nancy.hawley.nh@gmail.com)

North Carolina Main Street Award Winners...

Video Links:

MUMFEST Award of Merit 2013

NC Main Street Champion - Judy Avery

Boaters take note....

At Swiss Bear’s request in the interest of public safety and to facilitate the free and safe movement of pedestrians during MUMFEST weekend, effective 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. October 12 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. October 13, the Commander of the Fifth Coast Guard District issued a temporary deviation and the draw span will only be allowed to open every two hours on the hour.

Please help us pass the word to your boating friends, the press and area yacht clubs.

Although it may be a bit of an inconvenience, it would be tragic if there was a major accident on the bridge. We appreciate and thank everyone for their cooperation and patience over the two days, be it pedestrians or boaters.

Susan Moffat Thomas

MUMFEST 2013 has a Bold New Look

October 12-13 

Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corporation asked talented local artist and designer, Lisa Bisbee, to create a new look for MUMFEST 2013. True to her talent, Lisa Bisbee has come up with an original and bold design.

When asked how she came up with her new design, Lisa said, “Every year during the fall, I take photos of the brilliant autumn foliage. This year's design is based on a digitally enhanced image. I captured the photograph when the downtown merchants adorned New Bern’s streets with flowering mums during MUMFEST. The bold warm colors remind me of the harvest season during which MUMFEST takes place. I created a silhouette from the leaves and added white highlights with gestural artistic strokes. The font and color palette is energetic and festive, to remind everyone about new adventures unfolding during MUMFEST 2013!” 

Mumfesters can stop by the Greater Good Gallery at 228 Craven Street in downtown New Bern to see Lisa’s art, and while you’re there it wouldn’t hurt to let her know how you like her new design. You may also visit her web site at www.greatergoodgallery.com

.

MUMFEST weekend in New Bern, NC attracts festiver goers from across the southeast to experience this award winning festival located in the beautifully restored historic downtown along the waterfront. Mumfesters can spend a little or spend a lot with over 300 commercial and non-profit exhibitors to choose from including pottery, crafts, art and a tasty variety of savory food. MUMFEST fits everyone's budget with two days of free entertainment including a wide variety of music from a variety of new and exciting bands, dance troupes, magicians, roving street performers, face painters and clowns. 

MUMFEST will be bolder than ever this year featuring the internationally famous X-POGO Team, a huge NASCAR exhibit from the Richard Childress Racing Team and the Renegade pirate ship just to name a few of the exciting new venues coming to New Bern on October 12-13. 

Start making plans now to come to MUMFEST by water taxi, trolley car 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

To learn more about MUMFEST and Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corporation go to www.downtownnewbern.com.   

MUMFEST 2012 Is Here!



Setting up Indy Tour in early morning hours



Locating the necessities



Michael's Amusements...ready for festival goers

It’s hard to believe, MUMFEST is just hours away. The city is busy overseeing the set-up of the Indy Racing Tour, portable restrooms and the rest of the items on their “To Do” list. Bud Van Slyke, an outstanding volunteer who has overseen the Boat Show and Union Point Park for the past 10 years, has been at the park for most of the week and will be there all day today orchestrating the set-up of the boats, vendors, pool assembly. The hustle and bustle is growing in intensity with the goal of having everything ready for Saturday morning at 9:30 am when the party begins!

If it seems in the past month or so, the daily posts have been focused primarily on MUMFEST, it’s true. In the two or three months prior to the festival, our time is consumed with taking care of the many chores that are required to prevent utter chaos.  It is labor intensive, but well-worth the effort when vendors begin arriving, know  where to set-up, know the rules and things go smoothly.

Vendors begin arriving on Friday and setting up after 6 p.m. Many chose to set-up Friday evening and many also arrive early Saturday morning. The same is true for the attractions and vendors.

Once the confusion of  set up is over, the fun begins with two days of numerous venues, savory foods, hundreds of vendors with a myriad of products.

Danielle and I appreciate all the support the community extends to this event and our biggest wish is that everyone will have a grand time.

See you at MUMFEST!

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

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

Alfred A. Cunningham Bridge - Scheduled On the Hour Openings MUMFEST Weekend

Alfred A. Cunningham Bridge

Although Swiss Bear and the New Bern Police Department work closely to insure the public’s safety and security during festival weekend, one of my biggest concerns was for the safety of festival-goers as they stream across the Alfred A. Cunningham Bridge.

Many people park on the James City side of the Trent River and walk across the bridge by the hundreds as pedestrians along with heavy vehicular traffic. The festival also attracts many recreational boaters requiring the continual opening and closing of the bridge. The intense frequency creates a situation where pedestrians become very frustrated and between openings, get careless and take great risks, sometimes trying to jump across before the bridge is completely closed and gates opened. This is repeated throughout the two days. Although we haven't had any injuries or accidents so far, I am fearful it is just a matter of time.

With this major safety concern,  I contacted NCDOT (the Bridge owner) voicing my concern to Ms. Mary Moore, Assistant Division Traffic Engineer, with a request from Swiss Bear for scheduled bridge openings festival weekend. Following up, after a conversation with Waverly Gregory, Jr., Bridge Program Manager, 5^th Coast Guard District, Portsmouth, VA  requesting on the hour openings of the Alfred A Cunningham Bridge during festival hours, Saturday, October 13 and Sunday, October 14^th, I submitted a written request to NCDOT.

On September 26^th, I received a copy of a letter from Waverly Gregory, Jr. addressed to Ms. Mary Moore, NCDOT, responding to Swiss Bear’s request to restrict the operations of the Bridge. It states,

“to facilitate the free and safe movement of 83,000 attendees during the annual MUMFEST on October 13 and October 14, 2012, between 9 am and 6 pm, the drawbridge need only open on the hour.” 

Since the festival is just two weeks away, the challenge now is to try and get the word out so boaters are aware the Bridge openings will be scheduled on the hour festival weekend. Please help us pass the word to your boating friends and we will notify the press and area yacht clubs.

It may be a bit of an inconvenience to some, however, it would be tragic if there was a major accident on the bridge. We ask for everyone’s cooperation and patience for these two days, be it pedestrians or boaters. 

Tell us what you think.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

Shooting For the Charleston Look...Southern Charm

Round-a-bout at Broad and East Front Streets.

(L-R) Steve Hollar & Paul Haddock
wrapping up round-a-bout planting project

Downtown’s planting beds will be transitioned with fall plants and mums over the next few weeks.

Two new (April) Parks and Recreation employees, Eva Osteen and Steve Hollar have been busy coming up with new designs to include a larger variety of plants for the city beds than in past years. Both are up for the challenge and very qualified. Eva worked for Tryon Palace caring for the gardens and plantings for almost 16 years and Steve worked for his father Gary for many years as the lead landscape designer for Gary’s Nursery.

Their newest project was developing the planting bed in the round-a-bout at Broad and East Front Street…so needed, and best of all  the mums will be bright and showy for festival weekend. Over the next few weeks, they are concentrating on transitioning the beds in Bear Plaza, James Reed Lane, City Hall and all the beds in Union Point Park and planting mums around the Gazebo.

I personally couldn’t be more thrilled as the usual question festival weekend from visitors has been “so, where are the mums?” By the sound of it, mums will abound not only at Tryon Palace but also in the downtown festival area.

Future plans include identifying plants in beds with name/plant tags, beautifying the gateways and looking for other planting areas.

When they were interviewed by Thurman Hardison, Parks and Recreation Director, Eva said they both had the same response to his question “what is your vision for the city?”  ”Shooting for the Charleston look…Southern charm… lush and beautiful.”  The perfect answer!!!

We are thrilled with their vision and look forward to enjoying the beauty that comes with it. What do you think?

  

Susan Moffat-Thomas

Executive Director

MUMFEST... a Swiss Bear/City Partnership

Keith Jernigan, Craven County Health Dept.,
Jeremy Blalock, NBFD,
Mark Stephens, Public Works Director,
 Police Chief Touissant Summers

Jeremy Blalock, NBFD, Lt. Ronnie Lovick, NBPD,
 Mark Stephens, Public Works Director, Police Chief Summers,
Joe Bailey, Security, Danielle Glynn, Swiss Bear,
Bud VanSlyke, Chairman, Boat Show/Outdoor Life

Bud VanSlyke, Chair, Boat Show/Outdoor Life,
Debra Yarbrough, Craven County Health Dept.,
Dalton Gaskins, City Water Treatment Plant,
Danielle Glynn, Swiss Bear, Joe Bailey, Security

As October 13 – 14 draws closer and closer, our days at the office become longer and more hectic, assigning spaces, marking spaces on the streets, inventorying signs, ordering new ones, preparing 300+ vendor packets filled with set-up information, the continual ringing of phones…an endless list! However, it is worth the wear and tear as it insures a well-organized event that vendors appreciate and the festival-goers love.

What also insures a well-organized and well-run event is our partnership with the City, our elected officials and administration. Many of the departments have a role that is critical to MUMFEST. Electric, under Jon Rynne installs the temporary power panels to provide power to the vendors; the Police, under Chief Summers, oversees safety and security; Thurman Hardison’s Parks & Recreation staff provide manpower for delivering and setting up bleachers, trash pick-up through-out the weekend, getting the parks and planting areas in order; Water Resources, under Jordan Hughes' direction, provides water hook-up connections important to food vendors.  Mark Stephens, Director of Public Works, is responsible for overseeing all the rest…everything from hanging street banners, directing vendors to their spaces, putting up signage, barricades, stages, hauling trash, disposing of the vendor’s gray water each day, sweeping the streets. The list is long and the work load is immense.

Additionally, the Health Department inspects every food vendor before they can set-up and Fire Department staff inspect each food vendor’s set-up to insure they are following fire regulations and have fire extinguishers on site.

My objective in pointing this out is not to exhaust readers, but to provide a glimmer on how important this partnership is and the team work it takes to produce MUMFEST.  The public’s safety and enjoyment is paramount and the success of MUMFEST is directly related to the relationship MUMFEST and Swiss Bear has built over the past 32 years with the City, its various departments and its personnel.

When you see City employees working festival weekend, please take a moment  to stop and say thank you. Your safety and enjoyment is in their good hands.

Tell us what 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

MUMFEST...Vendor Spaces Are Filling Up!

As the festival grows closer, the volume of applications increase day by day. The spaces are filling up and we are pleased with the quality and variety of vendors submitting applications.

To peak your interest, arts and crafts include everything from whirligigs and kinetic art to handmade quilts, clothing and accessories, jewelry (of, course), paintings, yard art, photography and pottery.  Numerous vendors in the commercial category offer items and products running the gamut from imported hand-made items and crafts, to pre-packaged spices, candy, specialty food stuff, edible arrangements, spas, small furniture items, kitchen gadgets, even haircuts and feather extensions. Festival-goers can also learn about the many services offered by area nonprofits, government agencies and churches.

Food vendors (the quota reached several months ago) will again be located throughout the festival midway area and Union Point Park representing a wide array of savory foods…Thai, Chinese, American, Mediterranean, pizza, seafood, desserts, funnel cakes, ice cream, beverages and much more.

For those who are considering participating as a vendor, you may want to submit your application in the near future to insure you have a space. For those who love to shop the festival, you can look forward to a great week-end and shopping experience that offers a unique mix of specialty items, arts, crafts, goods and services….something for everyone!

See you there.

Mumfest 2011

                           

Susan Moffat Thomas
Executive Director

NEW MUMFEST VENUE...Songwriters' Take Note!!

Sunday, October 14, 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

Broad Street/Dance-arena Location

 

On-going 20-40 minute musical performances by NCSC members and non-member local songwriters in the New Bern area.

Songwriters may apply to perform by sending a recording and website link to: bdsyndrome@earthlink.net with brief bio and contact information. Due to space limitations, selection by NCSC will be based on performance quality. Performers selected will be notified on or before September 24 by NCSC with scheduled performance time.

Applicants who wish to perform at MUMFEST and join NCSC will be eligible to enter the NCSC Annual Songwriters’ contest. For more information go to: http://www.ncsongwriters.org/fr_home.cfm

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

All Aboard for MUMFEST...and SeaFair

Three cheers for Charlie Hall and his article in the Sunday, July 15 Sun Journal. article

Needless to say, we are thrilled to have SEAFAIR as our newest attraction. This specially built 228 foot mega-yacht, nearly six stories high, will dock for the festival week-end at the New Bern Grand Marina and be open for tours October 12, 13, and 14.

As stated in the article, we will launch the festival with an opening gala, New Bern Art Fest, October 11 to benefit our organization along with the Craven Arts Council & Gallery. The two-tiered opening includes a First View Cocktail Reception ($150 per person) and a Collector’s Invitational Reception ($100 per person). We  have organized a committee to  move this forward and will be sending invitations in mid-to-late August to people throughout the state.

Anyone interested in receiving an invitation is asked to email their name and address to swissbear@swissbear.org.

We believe this event and attraction is a great opportunity to showcase our beautiful city and encourage those who come for the Gala and/or week-end will return and enjoy the many attractions, galleries, unique shops and dining opportunities at another time.

SEAFAIR has 28 galleries filled with art, jewelry and sculpture, two outdoor bars, coffee bar, formal dining area and open-air bistro on the Sky Deck.

Tickets for the week-end are $15 at the door for a one day pass; $20 for a priority/multiple-day ticket.

Advance discounted tickets are available on-line at expoships.com. By U.S. Coast Guard guidelines, all attendees must show a photo ID to enter the yacht.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

MUMFEST 2012 Brochure

After many weeks of writing copy, selecting photos, editing, cropping, and working with the print shop, the mumfest brochure is being printed and will be ready for distribution throughout the area and state. It is always amazing that a tri-fold brochure takes so much time, talent and effort by so many to get it ready for printing.

Twenty thousand copies, compliments of CenturyLink, our brochure sponsor, will be distributed to welcome centers, hotels, restaurants, B&B’s and visitor information centers throughout the state and region.

If any mumfester’s would like to have copies to mail to friends and family members interested in attending mumfest, any businesses that would like copies for their countertops or insertion in shopping bags, or real estate agents for including in relocation packages, please let us know. We can deliver them to you or you may pick them up from our office on 316 South Front Street in the Chamber Building.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

PEPSI - a greater presence at MUMFEST

The  Pepsi Minges Bottling Group has been a Mumfest sponsor for many years. Since New Bern is the birthplace of Brad’s Drink, now known world-wide as Pepsi-Cola, we are happy to promote their presence at the festival.

Pepsi products are sold by the New Bern Lion’s Club members from the Pepsi carts located throughout the festival area. We share the proceeds with the Lion's Club which they use for their programs and projects that help the visually impaired. It is a partnership that has been in effect for many, many years, a partnership that benefits both organizations.

This year Pepsi will have a greater presence by adding to the mix of attractions. Large Pepsi and Mountain Dew inflatables will add color to the midway area. There will be a Pepsi Sampling Wagon with sample coolers and Willy the Hillbilly, the Mountain Dew’s mascot will be on site throughout the festival to “meet and greet” and add to the gayity and mix of roving characters, clowns and magicians.

We appreciate the support Wade Cline and the Pepsi Minges Bottling Group extends to Mumfest. We know the public appreciates it too.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

Question of the Day ... are you a "mumfester"?

After Nancy Hawley retired, Tryon Palace’s Public Relations/Marketing person for many years, I called and asked if  she would consider doing the PR/Marketing for Mumfest. Fortunately for us, she agreed and this is her third year.

As a big fan of mumfest, she frequently said, “Susan, there are a lot of mumfester's out there…people who love the festival and look forward to attending every year…we need to get their input".

I agree.

So the question of the day is…are you a mumfester? If so what is your favorite venue?

Diane Dennis (who works for our title sponsor, Joe Alcoke Auto & Truck Center) told me last fall her very most favorite venue/attraction that she never misses, is the Weller retriever field demonstrations. The NBPD  K-9 and Weller retriever demonstrations have been traditional favorites so last year we decided to add another animal venue, the Purina Incredible Dog Team, as a new attraction. It was so popular, we are bringing it back again this year. 

Gary Curry's t-shirt collection



Gary Curry, Manager of the BridgePointe Hotel & Marina (a Mumfest sponsor for many years) told me recently, he looks forward to adding each year’s T-shirt to his collection. He moved here in 2006, has bought one every year and enjoys wearing them. In fact, he forwarded me this picture of his mumfest t-shirt’s.

Nancy said the Pollock Street Bunco Babes like tasting wines at the Little River Mobile Wine Tasting Room and buying unique items from the many craft vendors. Another friend told her she and her husband have a pact that once a year they can eat their way through mumfest without guilt.

Others have said they love the festival foods…funnels cakes are at the top of the list for many.

How about you? If you are a mumfester, we would enjoy hearing from you….what is your favorite venue/attraction?

Do you have a t-shirt collection…how many and how far back do they go?

How about mumfest posters…do you collect them?

Tell us what you are looking forward too!

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director