The re-engineered 2016 Mum Festival has added numerous bells and whistles to appeal to all ages from 20+ hours of LIVE music to an adult beverage garden and food trucks, showing the Fest is not just for kids anymore. But the more things have changed, the more other things have stayed the same and improved! Namely, children’s programs and family entertainment will remain cornerstones of the 2016 Mum Festival.
“We understand how important family fun is for the Festival and its history,” said Festival Chair Mark Walerysiak Jr. “Sure we’ve added to the overall festivities, but the event’s bread and butter is really in providing an unforgettable day for families and to put smiles on kids’ faces. That’s our focus and our tremendous Children’s Programming team really went above and beyond to make sure that happens Mum weekend.”
The Mum Squad’s Children’s Programming team is co-chaired by Karl Tack, Jason Fields, and Paul Berard, who spearheaded this year’s various programs and additions.
The Fest will feature incredible children’s fun across its four days. The opening nights, Thursday and Friday the 22nd and 23rd from 5pm to 9pm will feature a carnival with rides, games, and food trucks along with LIVE music entertainment.
The family fun ratchets up several notches into Mum Fest weekend where Saturday September 24th will feature an explosion of children’s programs including an expanded version of Touch-a-Truck, now rebranded as Touch-a-Vehicle! Plus a Petting Zoo, Pony Rides, Carriage Rides, Hay Rides, Pumpkin Painting, Children’s Story Telling, STEM Mobile, Baudy Buccaneer Pirates, Face Painting, Sand Art, Dunk Tank, Home Depot Kids Building, movie characters like Minions and Elsa and Olaf of Disney’s Frozen and more! Children’s programs are concentrated in the first portion of the day’s 12 pm to 9 pm Festival hours, so come early and stay late!
“We really wanted to push the number of programs and activities this year,” said Karl Tack. “Our philosophy was the more activities for families and kids the more time everyone can spend in pure enjoyment of something they would find enjoyable.”
“It’s going to be great,” added Jason Fields. “We’re excited to see all the kids having the times of their lives, taking part in the activities, playing with toys and novelty items. It’s what it’s all about.”
The final day of Mum Fest weekend is Sunday the 25th from 12 pm to 6 pm where the family fun culminates in the historic Mum Festival Parade which kicks off at 1:30 pm, led by UConn’s famous mascot Jonathan the Husky, UConn’s Marching Band, Cheerleaders, UConn Dance Team, and Team Surya, a cultural dance group!
“We think it’s going to be quite the sight to see,” said Parade Chair Jack Ferraro. “It will be the place to be in Connecticut for families to come and have fun.”
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For more information on the 2016 Mum Festival & Parade please visit: www.bristolmumfestival.com or bristolallheart.com
Children’s Programming Inquiries
Karl Tack
Jason Fields
General Festival Inquiries
Mark Walerysiak Jr.
Festival Chair
p: 860.584.4726
Vendor Inquiries
Andy Adams
Vendor Chair
Parade Inquiries
Jack Ferraro
Parade Chair