Over the Mum Festival’s 50-plus year history not only has the epic festival weekend entertained citizens all over the region, but a number of other wonderful community events across September (and beyond) have historically been a boon to the community as well. That tradition continues this year under the title “Mum Season of Events” which features the return of a few favorites too!
This year the Mum Season of Events boasts 20 events over 16 days including the return of Mum Fest Bingo, Hometown Hero, and Miss Mum returns after a four-year absence.
“We have all worked very hard on each of the Mum Fest events,” said Linda Salisbury, Mum Bingo Chair. “The whole community comes together around the Mum Season and everyone chips in. The Polish Club was more than happy to donate their hall to us for Mum Fest Bingo. It’s all about our community coming together as one.”
Bingo is set for Sunday Sept 18th. Doors open at 11 am and games start at 1pm. There will be a 50/50 raffle, basket raffles and lots of door prizes. Should be a fun filled afternoon, so plan on arriving early!
Miss Mum also returns after a several year absence when a dwindling of applicants spelled the hiatus of the historic pageant. This year, Morris ‘Rippy’ Patton, a father of a 9-year old girl, took the reigns and partnered with Nutmeg Performing Arts Centre to breathe life back into the event, which will now take place Friday, September 23 at 7 pm at Bristol Central High School.
“We wanted to provide the girls in our community the opportunity to shine and have some fun,” said Patton. “This year’s theme is all about fun. We went into this year thinking if we got 9 applicants that would be pretty good, but we’re already at 18 so the response has been tremendous. We’re expecting a great show and invite all of Bristol to enjoy this free event and cheer on our girls.”
Miss Mum will feature three divisions this year including Miss Mum, Junior Miss Mum, and Miss Mum Mini. Special guest emcees will be Miss Connecticut 2015 Colleen Ward and previous Miss Mum Grace Gagnon. For details visit missmumbristol.org.
Finally, Hometown Hero is back! Patrick Kilby, Commander of the Sons of the American Legion Post 2 and also Hometown Hero Chair and Mum Squad Liaison has helped continue a tradition that the community has always strongly supported.
“It is truly a honor for the City of Bristol that the yearly Hometown Hero continues within the Mum Festival this year,” said Kilby. “The Bristol American Legion has taken the lead to select the upmost respectable individual who displays citizenship, patriotism and volunteerism within the community. We can’t wait to announce the selection shortly and invite everyone to please join us in honoring Bristol’s Hometown Hero!”
The Hometown Hero breakfast takes place Sunday, September 25, 2016 at American Legion Post 2 from 8 am till 11 am. The event is open to the public at 22 Hooker Court, Bristol, CT.
To see what else is blooming this Mum Season checkout bristolmumfestival.com for more! And remember, “Mum’s the Word!”
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For more information on the 2016 Mum Festival & Parade please visit: www.bristolmumfestival.com or bristolallheart.com for more details
Mum Fest Bingo
Linda Salisbury
Mum Fest Bingo Chair
Miss Mum Pageant
Morris ‘Rippy’ Patton
Miss Mum Chair
Hometown Hero
Hometown Hero Chair
Patrick Kilby
General Festival Inquiries
Mark Walerysiak Jr.
Festival Chair
Bristol All Heart
Vendor Inquiries
Andy Adams
Vendor Chair
Parade Inquiries
Jack Ferraro
Parade Chair