MUMFEST – October 8 & 9


Are you a MUMFESTER? Do you wait all year for October to get here? How many Mumfest tee shirts have you collected over the years? Do you plan your visit to MUMFEST ahead of time to make sure you see it all? Do you have a MUMFEST tabloid from the Sun Journal or a map from mumfest.com with you for quick reference? Do you love strolling around downtown eating your way as you go? If you answered yes to three or more of these questions, you are a true MUMFESTER!

This year marks Swiss Bear’s 31st MUMFEST and it is jam packed with non-stop fun things to see and do.

Arts and crafts displays, music, amusement park rides, magicians and street performers, puppet shows and face painters and delicious food, all go together to make MUMFEST a great fun filled weekend for everyone in the family.

New this year – The Purina ®Incredible Dog Team is a collection of some of the world’s most athletic canines who travel all over the USA performing gravity defying acrobatics. You will find these amazing athletes in Union Point Park.

Alex Clark of Project Dynamite fame is the super funny comedian performing jaw-dropping (and really dangerous) stunts such as juggling fire and climbing the 10’ ladder of doom. He just might be the funniest guy in town!

The Little River Winery mobile tasting room will be found on the 300 block of Craven Street. Mumfesters will have the opportunity to sample a wide variety of wines they produce using old world techniques.

Returning favorites include the exciting Corvette Racing Tour and King BMX Stunt Show of high-energy ramp and flatland riding. Rick Hubbard, King of Kazoo is back with his interactive musical show.

Other festival favorites: roving street performers, dancers, choral groups, Big KIDSTUFF and Lil’Kidstuff, amusement park rides, magicians, clowns, the Gabardine sisters, an out of water BOAT SHOW, face painting and artists, craftsman, commercial and nonprofit exhibitors. Arts and crafts displays, music, amusement park rides, magicians and street performers, puppet shows and face painters all go together to make MUMFEST a great fun-filled weekend for everyone in the family.

MUSIC & MUMFEST
Favorite local bands will be performing on the downtown stage and a major concert with Chairmen of the Board is on for Saturday night - just across the river at the BridgePointe Hotel Marina. Go to mumfest.com for ticket information.

AMUSEMENT PARK RIDES
At the amusement park, families will find a wide variety of things to do, including the Merry Go Round, Full Tilt, Gondola and, of course, everyone’s favorite – the Bumper Cars. The amusement park has rides for both the brave and not so brave at heart – whichever you prefer – you’ll find it here.

Be sure to stop by the Sudan Temple to see the miniature Thomas the Train layout constructed by the Carolina Coastal Railroaders. Thomas is a cheeky, little wooden train with lots of friends and accessories that make him lovable. On a grander scale, the double track HO scale model railroad in the first floor exhibit area is a marvel of detail and technical know-how.

For the younger water lovers, the Coast Guard Auxiliary brings "Coastie", their walking, talking boat mascot. A blue and white robot, Coastie has navigational lights, searchlights, a rotating beacon, a siren, an air horn and moving eyes and eyelids. Visit Coastie at the Coast Guard Auxiliary booth in Union Point Park.

Dog lovers will be amazed when they see the K-9 demonstrations by the New Bern Police Department’s 4-legged officers in three shows on Saturday. You may even pick up some training tips by watching the Labrador Field Retriever Demonstrations by Weller Kennels, but we ask that you leave your dogs at home.

Hey, Sailor!
Boaters and wannabe boaters will head straight for Union Point to see the 10th Annual Boat Show. In addition to all the trailerable boats, there will be maritime exhibits, military vessels, nautical displays and demonstrations. And, because it’s nearing the end of the boating season, you may even find a great deal on a boat.

Around 1:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, the USCG and USMC rescue helicopter, PEDRO, will demonstrate an in-water rescue. The best view of this exciting air/sea rescue will be from Union Point Park.

Mum’s the Word at Tryon Palace where all of the gardens will be open free in honor of MUMFEST. Be sure to stroll over to the palace to see the colorful displays of chrysanthemums and other fall blooms. Don’t miss the Heritage Plant sale that takes place on Friday and Saturday only.

Sunday Morning Fun Run/Walk
Start out your Sunday morning at 7:30 a.m. in Union Point Park with the 5K and 1 Mile Family Fun Run/Walk. What a great way to jump-start the day! Call 252.639.2907 for more information or go to mumfest.com to download an application form.

Getting to MUMFEST
Be sure to go to the web site www.mumfest.com for help planning your weekend and to see a complete list of all the family entertainment at MUMFEST. You’ll also find a map on the web site telling you where everything is located and the performance schedules.

For those who don’t wish to park downtown, free trolley shuttle service is available both days from the New Bern Mall (Hwy 70 – near Hwy 70 Exit). A water-taxi service is also available for a small fee from the BridgePointe Hotel Marina.

From New Bern’s historic waterfront to the beautiful gardens at Tryon Palace, MUMFEST weekend offers everything a family could want – and more!

www.mumfest.com

Corvette Racing Tour is coming to MUMFEST!

From the waterfront at Union Point Park to the gardens at Tryon Palace, MUMFEST offers the most FREE family fun you can have south of the Mason Dixon line!

“We are proud to bring the Corvette Racing Tour back to MUMFEST and look forward to participating in all the excitement this exhibit generates,” said Joe Alcoke. “This year’s show features a “Jake” Corvette Grand Sport, the mascot of the Corvette racing Team which can cover 0-60 mph in 3.95 seconds; the No. 3 GT2 Compuware Corvette show car; a Corvette ZR1 interactive cutaway chassis; a replica C6.6 race engine; an E-Rod engine; and a number of championship trophies – including the 2009 24 Hours of Le Mans.”

Race fans visiting MUMFEST will have the opportunity to experience the Corvette Racing Tour, featuring show cars and many artifacts from Corvette’s storied racing history, including its Championship Trophy collection.

“Corvette is such an integral part of Chevrolet’s history, and with Chevrolet celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2011, we are thrilled to bring that heritage up close to our fans,” said Todd Christensen, Chevy Racing/Camaro, Corvette Advertising Manager. “Corvette is the most successful team in the history of the American Le Mans Series, and we are proud of the close links between the championship-winning Corvette race cars and the production Corvettes that our customers drive on the street.”

At the Corvette Racing Winner’s Circle Photo Trailer, fans can have a digital photo taken with the virtual images of Corvette Racing drivers Oliver Gavin, Jan Magnussen, Richard Westbrook, Olivier Beretta, Tommy Milner and Antonio Garcia.

“Bringing the Corvette Racing Tour to MUMFEST is a wonderful way to celebrate Corvette’s unmatched success on the racetrack and its 2011 lineup,” said Joe Alcoke.

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About MUMFEST
This year marks the 31st MUMFEST celebration, a City of New Bern sponsored event produced by Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corporation in cooperation with area businesses and organizations. Festival proceeds benefit on-going downtown revitalization projects. MUMFEST annually attracts over 80,000 visitors to New Bern’s historic downtown.

Chairmen of the Board is coming to MUMFEST!

MUMFEST, an award-winning combination of fantasy and fun, attracts over 80,000 visitors to New Bern’s revitalized historic downtown, filling the streets with exciting free entertainment, everyone’s favorite foods, and great shopping.

New this year – The Purina Incredible Dog Team is a collection of some of the world’s most athletic canines. Alex Clark of Project Dynamite fame, is the super funny comedian with jaw dropping feats and returning favorites, the Corvette Racing Tour, King BMX Stunt Show of high-energy ramp and flatland riding. Rick Hubbard, King of Kazoo is back with his interactive musical show.

Other festival favorites: roving street performers, dancers, choral groups, KIDSTUFF and Lil’Kidstuff, amusement park rides, magicians, clowns, the Gabardine sisters, a very tall Uncle Sam, model train show, an out of water boat show, retriever exhibits, face painting and artists, craftsman, commercial and nonprofit exhibitors.

Three of your favorite local bands will be performing for free on the stage downtown and a major concert with Chairmen of the Board is on for Saturday night - just a short walk to the BridgePointe Hotel and Marina. There really is something for everyone!

From New Bern’s historic waterfront to the gardens at Tryon Palace, MUMFEST is more than a festival – it’s an extravaganza!

MUMFEST 2011 - New Artwork; New Entertainers; Old Favorites Returning!

The MUMFEST Festival Committee is pleased to present the 2011 poster and logo designed by Trade Ideas, LLC featuring New Bern’s City Hall Clock Tower and the Bear Plaza Bear sculpture, both well-loved downtown landmarks.

Trade Ideas, LLC specializes in consulting and design services with a focus on graphic design, website design and development, advertising, and corporate branding. When asked to work on the design for the MUMFest poster, Shannon LuQuire, Trade Ideas’ owner, was up to the challenge.

LuQuire grew up in New Bern, so including those iconic images that everyone could recognize was an important part of the design.

"For so many of us, MUMFEST is such an important part of who we are as New Bernians. We all want to be part of something that makes us proud and having so many things like that around us is really special."

Capturing the essence of the annual festival was task number one. Looking through old pictures, walking around downtown, and thinking of what I remember most as a child coming to the festival was an integral part of the design process. Pulling all that information together and coming up with an engaging design is where our team does such a great job.

Mark your calendar and plan to attend the 31st annual MUMFEST, October 8-9. MUMFEST is an award-winning combination of fantasy and fun attracting over 80,000 visitors to New Bern’s revitalized historic downtown and waterfront. Recognized as one of October’s Top 20 Events in the Southeastern United States, MUMFEST fills the streets with exciting entertainment, favorite foods, and great shopping. From the waterfront to the gardens at Tryon Palace, MUMFEST is more than a festival – its an extravaganza!

New this year Alex Clark, the super funny comedian with jaw dropping feats and returning favorites, the Corvette Racing Tour, King BMX Stunt Show’s of high energy ramp and flatland riding. Rick Hubbard, King of Kazoo is back with his interactive musical show. Other festival favorites: live bands, roving street performers, dancers, choral groups, KIDSTUFF and Lil’Kidstuff, amusement rides, magicians, clowns, Gabardine sisters, Uncle Sam, model train show, retriever exhibits, face painting and many artists, craftsman, commercial and nonprofit exhibitors….something for everyone.

Go to www.mumfest.com for more information.

OCTOBER 8-9 MUMFEST

How do you like our new poster? Shannon Loquire gets the credit for the design! We asked Shannon to create a design to showcase our downtown assets and she gave us a fresh new look. We couldn't be more pleased - thanks, Shannon!

Every year we want to bring something new to MUMFEST and need your suggestions.

Tell us what types of entertainment you enjoy and would like to see at MUMFEST 2011. What types of shows would you travel to see? Did you enjoy MUMFEST 2010?

MUMFEST is six months away but time flies so keep checking this blog for more MUMFEST information.

MUMFEST MAP & Schedule of Events

Be sure to go to MUMFEST.COM to print out a map and event schedule. Because there's so much to see and do, the map will be indispensible.

Just a reminder that the 'Kutless' concert prohibits taking coolers inside the concert area. Food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed - just not in coolers.

If you want to avoid parking downtown, you can go to JC Penny's at the mall and take a free trolley ride to and from MUMFEST. Or, you can park across the river at the BridgePoint Hotel and walk across the bridge or take a boatride for a small fee.

We will have a perfect fall weekend for MUMFEST. See you there!

FLIPPENOUT EXTREME TRAMPOLINE AND BMX STUNT SHOWS COME TO MUMFEST
October 9-10

“In 2009 both the King BMX Stunt Show and Flippenout Extreme Trampoline Show attracted such large crowds we wanted to bring them back this year. People of all ages are amazed when they watch these athletes perform seemingly impossible gravity-defying stunts,” said Susan Moffat-Thomas, director of Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corporation. “This year marks the 30th anniversary of MUMFEST, and, in addition to many new performers, we have brought back crowd favorites from past years. As New Bern celebrates its 300th anniversary we are proud to be celebrating our 30th year!”

FLIPPENOUT EXTREME TRAMPOLINE SHOW – Union Point Park
The incredible sport of trampoline has been an Olympic Sport since the Sydney, Australia games in 2000. Olympic medalists, world champions, national champions and the best elite level athletes in North America make up the Flippenout team roster.

Some of the world-class athletes performing at MUMFEST may include Matt Turgeon, Canadian Olympic Bronze Medalist; Kyle Bowen, a finalist in the U.S. Senior Elite Division and 2008 Olympic trial competitor; Tatiana Kovaleva, 1996 World Champion Gold Medalist; Chris Estrada, US. 2008 Beijing Olympian; and Sean Kennedy, U.S. Senior Elite Competitor and 2007 National Finalist.

During the show the athletes launch themselves 25’ high in the air using snowboards and skis, and perform triple flips and other amazing feats that would be impossible for anyone else, all the while working against a transparent wall, which brings a whole new dimension to the show.

Flippenout Extreme Trampoline Shows will be at Union Point Park, with four shows both days starting at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday and 10:30 a.m. on Sunday.

KING BMX STUNT SHOW – Union Point Park
Started by two-time participant in the X-Games, Keith King, the BMX Stunt Show performs nationally in major venues including NASCAR RACES and NBA halftime shows.

King BMX Stunt Show features three shows daily of heart-stopping action with high aerial stunts and mind-boggling technical maneuvers when riders take to the air for a high-flying, high-energy ramp and flatland riding show.

After each performance fans can meet their favorite riders and get autographs.

The King BMX Stunt Shows begin at 10:45 a.m. on Saturday and at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday. There are three shows each day.

Other MUMFEST entertainment includes the Corvette Racing Tour exhibit, a major concert sponsored by Bigfish FM featuring Kutless, the Sidewalk Prophets, and Above the Golden State. The 9th Annual Boat Show, magicians and street performers, amusement park rides and much more all go together to make MUMFEST great fun for everyone.

Free shuttle service to and from MUMFEST is available from the New Bern Mall. Look for the trolley and hop on for a fun ride to the festival. There is also boat service for a small fee from the Bridgepointe Hotel Marina.

The beautiful riverfront, downtown shops and historic homes make New Bern a destination for many travelers. Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corporation produces MUMFEST in cooperation with the City of New Bern. Go to www.mumfest.com for more information and the full schedule of events.