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