The Mum Festival Committee has issued the following press release.
Community-focused Festival Returns September 24th – 26th With New and Creative Programming –
The Mum Festival, which has been Bristol’s fall marquee community-focused event for almost 60 years, is back September 24th – 26th with the theme of “Honoring Heroes”.
With this in mind, the Bristol Exchange Club and the Mum Festival Committee are proud to announce that this year’s Mum Festival, working under current Covid protocols will feature a reimagined Art Show and an innovative opportunity for folks seeking to get married.
Under the theme of “I have a Heart for the Arts,” the Art Show & Jazz Gala will run on Friday evening September 24th (5:30 – 8:30 p.m.) and all-day Saturday (12-8 p.m.), September 25th and feature the works of local and other Connecticut area artists including Robert Faucher, Alan Gagnon, Ginger Grant, Joan Cloutier, David Krezel, Ashley Lodovico Sloate, Nigel Wynter, Jane Bogucki, Dean Dellavecchia, and Lori Lebel.
The public is invited to join the artists under the Festival’s Marquee Big tent on both days and participate in a walkabout where they will have the opportunity to visit and engage with artists booths showcasing a variety of artistic creations. As part of this reimagined art show and new this year, participants can enter a drawing to win some beautiful artwork by visiting at least ½ of the artists on display.
Friday night will also feature smooth jazz music provided by local favorite the Sharp 5 Jazz Band for all to enjoy.
“We are so excited to be bringing the Mum Festival back this year, and we wanted to add something extra to the Mum Festival”, said Joyce Ptak, Mum Festival Art Committee Chair. “I’d like to also personally thank our participating artists and Sharp 5 for helping us put on this very special program for all to enjoy. And, to the community that has always supported Mum Festival, thank you for supporting our artist community and the Mum Festival”.
Also new this year, the Festival planners will be offering a wedding service donated by two Bristol Justices of the Peace – Joyce Ptak and Mayra Sampson Berrios. They will be available to perform a wedding service free of charge on Sunday, 9/26 at 3:30 p.m. for anyone who wishes to be married. Contact Joyce directly at jpthejp1075@gmail.com.
Those interested should also be sure to view the marriage license requirements here: http://www.bristolct.gov/291/Marriage-Licenses – and bring it the day of the wedding service.
“This is certainly a first for Mum Festival”, commented Jack Ferraro, Mum Festival Chair. “In keeping with our efforts to offer something for everyone this “out of the box”opportunity was a natural fit to our goals of creating cherished memories associated with our Festival. I am sure that anyone who takes advantage of this opportunity will have a story to tell for the years to come.”
As a reminder, the Mum Festival will be held on September 24th -26th, and due to ongoing construction and renovations at the Memorial Blvd. Magnet school, this year’s Mum Festival will be moving to Downtown Bristol with a new layout utilizing lower North Main Street, Hope Street, Riverside Avenue Ext., and Brackett Park.
Over the course of the Festival weekend, the 2021 Mum Festival plans will feature vendors from area businesses, crafters, local producers, restaurants, food trucks, community organizations, non-profits, and museums. In addition, to the Kids Carnival and Parade, the Festival will also feature children’s programming. Plans also include a classic car show, great food, a beer and wine garden, and plenty of live music and entertainment. As always, admission to the Mum Festival will be free.
For more information on the 2021 Mum Festival & Parade please visit: