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The
town of New Bern does an incredible job of
entertaining and educating throughout the year. Tryon Palace Historic
Sites & Gardens hosts a variety of special events, and the Craven Arts
Council and Gallery and other arts organizations sponsor art
exhibitions, music and dance performances year round. Several concert
series and performing artists provide musical and visual entertainment
at various venues. The New Bern Civic Theatre and the RiverTowne
Repertory Players schedule a variety of dramatic and comedic
presentations, and numerous musical and art organizations annually
schedule shows and perform at city functions and festivities. Current
calendar information may be obtained through the New Bern-Craven County
Convention & Visitors Center, (252) 637-9400 or (800) 437-5767.
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JanuaryHandel's Messiah A local favorite since 1981, performances
of this classic around the time of "Old Christmas" in early January
combine 150 community voices and North Carolina Symphony musicians with
conductor James Ogle, artistic director of the Boise Philharmonic
Association. Tickets are available for two afternoon and two evening
performances. Shriners' Parade January 25 and 26, 2008. The Shriners
host a colorful and entertaining parade in downtown New Bern,
featuring clowns, horses, mini-cars, bands and more. Shriners'
parades, wherever performed, are fun, funny and as festive as a fez.
The parade is part of the Winter Ceremonial, which occurs annually
during the fourth weekend of January, bringing in thousands of
Shriners from all over North Carolina for events centered at the
Sudan Shrine Center at the corner of Broad and E. Front Streets. |
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FebruaryNew Bern Preservation Foundation Antiques take the stage in early
February when the New Bern Preservation Foundation sponsors its
annual three-day Antiques Show & Sale at the New Bern Riverfront
Convention Center. The show hosts more than 59 dealers who sell,
demonstrate, instruct and exhibit eighteenth- and nineteenth-century
and early twentieth-century American antiques. Experts also are on
hand to identify whether your items are "antique or junque." Tickets
cost $5 for all three days. Proceeds from the show benefit the
Preservation Foundation's restoration projects and help fund
programs and education. Attic, Basement, Closet Sale Known as the annual ABC Sale, this
event offers New Bernians a bargain opportunity each year in early
February. Locals contribute a full building of sale items ranging
from appliances to original art, then wait in line for the doors to
open at 8 AM for the one-day sale. The event benefits programs of
the New Bern Historical Society, which organizes the annual sale. Model Train Show February brings the annual weekend
Model Train Show of the Carolina Coastal Railroaders. The
interesting collection of miniatures and model trains shown in the
New Bern High School auditorium is a great stop for kids 11 and
younger, who are admitted free with an adult. Admission for ages 12
and older is $6. |
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MarchDecorative Arts Symposium In addition to their gardens, New
Bernians are proud of the authenticity of their vintage belongings.
Here again, Tryon Palace Historic Sites & Gardens fills the bill
with its annual Decorative Arts Symposium in March, which offers
unique perspectives on decorative arts and American history. This
event includes nationally recognized speakers as well as meals,
social events and special tours. A registration fee is charged, and
a brochure is printed each year outlining the thematic events. Gardeners' Weekend The weekend of the New Bern Spring
Historic Homes and Gardens Tour is the same as Gardeners' Weekend at
Tryon Palace Historic Sites & Gardens. Palace gardens are open free
throughout the weekend. The 14 acres of gardens are planted with
more than 30,000 bulbs and spring flowers, resulting in a riot of
lovely colors. Thousands of gloriously colored tulips are in bloom,
along with expansive plantings of blazing daffodils and pansies. All
of this is set against a luxurious background of azaleas and
dogwoods. It's quite a sight. The palace also hosts a Heritage Plant
Sale, which features perennials, herbs, annuals, trees and shrubs as
well as a collection of rare and historic plants, all available for
purchase. |
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AprilAnnual Shriners' Fish Fry In 2008 this annual tradition
celebrates 41 years of providing New Bernians with delicious fish
plates. Proceeds from the event benefit Shriners' Hospitals for
Children. Fish plates, $6 each, are served in the Furniture Fair
parking lot at 2880 Neuse Boulevard and the New Bern Shrine Club on
2102 S. Glenburnie Drive, in front of the Food Lion in
Bridgeton, and at the Food Lion in James City. Serving times are 11
AM to 1:30 PM and 4:30 to 7 PM. Local businesses can arrange to have
plates delivered. Festival of Fun This fun-filled day of entertainment for
children and their families includes amusement rides, games, clowns,
hands-on educational activities, exhibits, pony rides and lots of other
fun activities. Organized by the New Bern Recreation and Parks
Department, the festival takes place at beautiful Union Point Park on E.
Front Street. Spring Historic Homes and Gardens Tour Many people enjoy visiting New Bern
in April for the New Bern Spring Homes and Gardens Tour. The event
is cosponsored by the New Bern Historical Society and the New Bern
Preservation Foundation, and the town puts on its prettiest face to
welcome visitors. The tour includes private homes, gardens and
churches in the historic district, with guides and location maps
provided. The tour can best be enjoyed on foot and is an ideal
opportunity to explore selected homes and landmarks in this river
city. During the two-day event, Tryon Palace also opens its gardens
for free. Historic Homes and Gardens Tour tickets, $20 on tour days
or $15 in advance, may be purchased at the New Bern Historical
Society office. Tickets are available for $13 for groups of 20 or
more, or the active military. Tickets can also be ordered in advance
by mail. |
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MayStrawberry Festival Celebrating this delicious, locally grown
fruit, the Strawberry Festival features food, rides, music, games and
much more, all in a family atmosphere. The festival is sponsored by the
Vanceboro Rescue Squad. To get to Vanceboro, located 20 miles from New
Bern, cross the Neuse River Bridge and take U.S. Highway 17 north to
N.C. Highway 43 and follow the signs. Tryon Palace Concert Series
This four-concert series of free evening performances on the
palace's South Lawn runs from mid-May through late June each year and
includes concerts by a broad range of ensembles, including the North
Carolina Symphony. |
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JuneNeuse River Days
Sponsored by the Neuse River Foundation, this festival is designed
for people who enjoy outdoor activities. Kayak and canoe races,
including the Neuse River Classic and the River Dog Relay Race, are
among the festival's most popular features for all levels of
competitors. The not-so-serious are invited to race homemade rafts
in the Great Twin Rivers Raft Race. Every year participants are
always entertained by the unusual entries, some of which actually
float. Of course, Neuse River Days also offers music, crafts, games
and other festival favorites. |
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Continue to July |