Halloween Events in New Bern NC!

Halloween is celebrated by many people, old and young, and New Bern has events for everyone!

Both adults and children can enjoy one of the longest running events, New Bern Historical Society's 18th annual Ghostwalk! Entitled, Spirits of the Neuse, this years "ghoulishly" thrilling event has a maritime theme. "Spirits" from New Bern's maritime past will share their stories as your are guided through historic homes, buildings and the Cedar Grove Cemetery.

Tickets are $20 the day of tour and $10 for Active military and children under 21. Event days are October 24th & 25th from 5-9pm. For more information, visit www.newbernhistorical.org or call 252-633-8558.

Adults can wear their chilling costumes and twirl the night away at the River Town Ball Room on Pollock Street. For a mere $10, costumed participants can eat, enter costume contests and take a dance lesson on October 24th from 8-11pm.

The annual Parade of Preschoolers will be held downtown on October 3oth beginning at 9:30. Children will parade through the town adorned in costume. This event is organized by New Bern Parks and Recreation, the Craven County Cooperative Extension Service and Smart Start's Parents as Teachers program. To participate in the parade, call 252-639-2902.

Even our pets can join in the fun during the 1st Annual Howl'oween Pet Parade hosted by the Colonial Capitol Humane Society. Dogs can wear their favorite costumes and enter contests, win prizes and preform "tricks for treats". You and your pet will have a "howling" good time and possibly win some great prizes. This event, MC'd by Skip Waters, has been moved to Saturday, November 1st at Lawson Creek Park. The event is free but there is a $10 charge to enter in the costume contests.

October in New Bern!!!

New Bern is full of activity most of the year but October is HOT. One of the largest events is the 28th year of Mum Fest! Attracting over 80,000 visitors to New Bern, this award winning event combines family fun and entertaiment.

Continuing this year are many of our favorites such as the Boat Show at Union Point Park. A stroll through the park will reveal boats of all sizes from Kayaks to 60 foot powerboats as well as maritime exhibits and military vessels. A passerby can actually watch the construction of a wooden dinghy or relax and enjoy the flotilla. New this year to the maritime fun are boat rides on the Lookout Cruise, a 45 foot catamaran with plenty of cushioned seats. Adults ride one hour for $15, children 12 and under just $12.

Performances are varied beginning with music from well known groups such as David Dyer and the Crooked Smile Band, Cold Biscuit, Deja Groove, The Dana Scott Trio and the Pickin' and Grinnin' Band. Roaming through the crowds are roving magicians, jugglers, stilt walkers, clowns, historic characters, choral, dance groups, barbershop quartets and more.

Look to the sky for the world aerobatic competitor Hubie Tolson who will perform daily daredevil aerobatics. Showtime is 1pm over the Neuse River.

There are many, many more attractions found at www.mumfest.com or just stop by downtown New Bern October 11th and 12th and see for yourself! You won't be disappointed.

Romeo & Juliet...

What could be more fitting than to bring "Romeo & Juliet" to New Bern for the 10th anniversary of the Carolinian Shakespeare Festival. This play is certainly a favorite incorporating comedy, drama, action and of course, romance. The actors were chosen from more than 200 auditions from New Bern and New York.
You can enjoy the play from July 31st through August 17th at the New Bern Civic Theatre. Tickets start at $18 for adults and $5 for students. For more information, you can visit the Carolinian Shakespeare Festival's web site at http://www.csfest.net/
As a side note, I met the director, Mary McGinley, last night at a painting class. Mary is full of enthusiasm for how well the show is doing and the enthusiasm of the audience....don't miss it!

Art Walk...Don't Miss It!

Tonight's Art Walk will be a crowd pleaser! The Craven Arts Council and Twin Rivers' Artist Association is inviting the public to the opening reception of The Bank of the Arts Regional Juried Art Show. This is a tremendous opportunity to view some of the best of what our local artists' have to offer as well as make a fabulous purchase (or two)! For more information, visit www.cravenarts.org

More fun will ensue at Art & Materials, 219 Middle St. They have a new gallery open today featuring great works by Dee Mayer, Jane Needham, Nada Behr, Vicki Vitale, Sandy Bruno and Tessi Adams as well as offer refreshments. Visit their site at www.artandmaterials.com

At least 10 art related shops and 4 "friends" of the Art Walk will be open tonight. Future Art Walks are September 12th and November 14th. For more information, contact the Craven Arts Council & Gallery, Inc at 252-638-2577.

See you there tonight from 5-8.

Air Show at MCAS Cherry Point Air Show

Hold on to your hats as the Blue Angels return to The MCAS Cherry Point Air Show! North Carolina's largest airshow is sure to be a winner. Beginning on 5pm Friday June 6th the main features are afterburners, rocket trucks, pyrotechnics, skydivers, a wall-of-flame, fireworks display, food, venders, etc. Saturday & Sunday, June 7th and 8th will feature the usual but extremely interesting historic and modern military displays military and civilian air demonstrations, simulators, activities, rides and more. The grand finale is the Navy's Blue Angels. If you have never been to this event, be sure not to miss it this year. Admission is free as well as areas for blanket seating. For more information, call 866-wings-nc or go to www.cherrypointairshow.com

Neuse River Day

Get ready for the fun and exciting Neuse River Day, May 31 2008. The event, hosted by the Neuse River Foundati0n, begins at 9am at Union Point Park. Land events will include environmental exhibitors, live music, entertainers, arts and craft venders and food. Water events include kayak, canoe and raft races. Although the water events begin at in the morning, be sure to stay for the afternoon Great Rubber Duck Race and Cardboard Box Canoe Race. The complete schedule is posted at http://www.neuseriverkeepers.org/neuseriverday.html

The Neuse River Foundation is also asking for volunteers to contact:

Pat Gulley, Events Coordinator, events@neuseriver.org, 252-637-7972

Tea and Dessert with Nicholas Sparks

New Bern resident and author Nicholas Sparks will host a fund raiser to benifit The Friends of the New Bern-Craven County Public Library. Entitled, "Tea and Dessert with Nicholas Sparks", he will not only discuss his upcoming book, "The Lucky One", but will also talk about his upcoming movie release, "Nights in Rhodanthe".

Nicholas Sparks draws a tremendous crowd at every book signing and charitable event so sign up early, the tickets are a mere $12. The event is May 20th at The Flame Banquet Centre.

Parade of Homes Success!

The 2008 Spring Parade of Homes was a huge success with 58 homes on tour and 34 local builders participating. Some of New Bern's newest communities were open for the first time and the latest trends in construction were on display.
Residential Builders Billy & Donna Russel, owners of Kit Corp, displayed the latest in bath fixtures, flooring, trim and home media in their new construction at 128 East Ag Drive. Kit Corp, well known for their quality construction and exceptional design, ushered hundreds of visitors through their newest model during the 2 weekends of the parade. To see a virtual tour of the home, click the following link http://www.TopAMS.com/?t=440

"Death, Taxes...and Chocolate" World Premier

New Bern has so much to offer and now our fair city will host the world premier of the movie, "Death, Taxes...and Chocolate"! Written by local resident Andrea Levinson, presented by A Levinson Film and Sheffield Films in Association with Sheffield Entertainment Television, the premier will be held at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center on April 20. A Red Carpet Extravaganza featuring the movie, chocolate & wine reception and opportunities to meet the writer director and actors begin at 1:30 for $50 per person, $75 for 2. At 6:30 pm, there is a general admission presentation featuring movie, popcorn & soda for $10.

Don't miss the opportunity to see this "dark chocolate comedy". It has a surprise ending that Levinson won't give away. You can see more about the movie and purchase products on their website at http://www.deathtaxesandchocolate.com/home.html , email alevinsonfilm@yahoo.com or call 252-638-3311

Tryon Palace Gardens

As a correction to my last post, the Tryon Palace Gardens will offer free admission to ALL April 11th, 12th and 13th. Dubbed Garden Lovers Weekend, the palace will be in full bloom with thousands of tulips as well as other spring blooms. The gardens open from 9am to 6pm Friday and Saturday and 11am to 6pm on Sunday.

Complimenting this event is the Heritage Plant Sale, the 11th and 12th from 9am to 5pm on the Palace Grounds. This sale offers the public a chance to purchase unique, rare and historic plants featuring perennials, annuals, herbs, trees and shrubs, all grown in the Tryon Palace Greenhouse!

Don't miss an opportunity to stop at the Palace Garden Shop with Open House from 10am to 5pm Friday and Saturday. Besides the spring planting ideas and new products, there will be craft demonstrations and plenty of food.

There will be something for everyone at the Tryon Palace! For more information, go to http://www.tryonpalace.org/gardenloverweekend.html

Spring in New Bern

Spring is here and New Bern begins it's Spring Events. The most popular, year after year, is the Spring Historic Homes & Gardens Tour. April 11th & 12th from 10am to 5pm, you will have the opportunity to tour 17 homes and gardens in 2 different historic districts. The homes change from year to year so it never gets "old". Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 the days of the tours. A ticket is good for both days and will entitle you to free admission to Tryon Palace Gardens. It is a wonderful time to view the Garden's tulips and other beautiful spring blooms. For more information, you may contact the New Bern Historical Foundation at 252-638-8558.

This same weekend will host the 4th annual New Bern Jazz & Blues Fest at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center! This festival offers world class jazz and blues musicians and includes the talents of Melvin Taylor and Nnenna Freelon. Tickets are $30 each evening. For information and online tickets visit www.jazzpreservationsociety.com or www.newbernjazzandbluesfest.com

If you need more to fill your weekend, on Friday evening, the 11th, you can stroll the streets of downtown New Bern and experience the art work of local talents at the Downtown New Bern Art Walk! From 5-9, downtown shops and galleries will open and exhibit the work of local talents. This is a free event you won't want to miss.

50th Anniversary Big Rock T-Shirts

Ther're almost here! The 50th anniversary Big Rock Tournament T-Shirts will be available April 5th. Many of us near the coast purchase at least one Big Rock T-Shirt every year and this is a special year. You can purchase online or visit one of the locations on the newsletter. Events are set as well and can be found on http://www.thebigrock.com/OnlineNewsletter . Happy Fisahing!

St. Patrick's Day in New Bern

Many cities across the U.S. host a St. Patrick's Day Parade and New Bern is no exception. There were floats, bands and lots of green everywhere! The parade lasted about 45 minutes and coursed through the streets of downtown New Bern with crowds of people cheering and waving green hats. The photograph, curtesy Liz Bowles, Charlie Hall and the Sun Journal Newspaper, depicts one of the floats in the parade. It is topped with children from the St. Paul's Education Center who appear enjoying the ride tremendously. More details of the parade can be found on www.newbernsj.com.
After the parade, there were plenty of pubs offering green ale and music, The Chelsea Restaurant in downtown New Bern hosted Irish singer Jennifer Licko at 2pm. For more details visit on the singer visit www.jenniferlicko.com

Parade of Homes

The 2008 Spring Parade of Homes is nearly here! This is a tremendous opportunity for buyers and homeowners. It gives buyers the opportunity to view over 50 new homes in the area. It also gives them the advantage of comparing neighborhoods and builders. Property owners looking for a quailty builder have time to look and compare the standards of many different builders. Homeowners who are looking to redo rooms can get ideas, see new products and view the quality of various sub contractors. Lets not forget those who are just looking for something different to do! Look for more information in the Sun Journal Newspaper or email me at marcia@neuserealty.com. The touring dates are April 19th, 20th, 26th & 27th from noon until 5pm.

First Baby Born 2008

As luck would have it, Craven County's first baby born in 2008 is a Marine Baby! Gionni was born to Corporal Natalie Colon and her husband, Josue. The proud mother is currently stationed at Cherry Point Marine Corps. Both mother and father have served in Iraq.
Those of us that work with Marine families and know the tremendous amount of sacrifice those families make for us are always proud to read about them. For the complete article by Sun Journal Staff, Nickie Mayo, go to http://www.newbernsj.com/news/colon_38005___article.html/first_baby.html
or visit the www.newbernsj.com and research the articles from 1/3/08.