There are bears all over New Bern, North Carolina!
Luckily these bears are of the friendly variety, made of fiberglass, and decorated by artists from Craven, Pamlico and Jones counties. They were created in celebration of New Bern’s 300th anniversary. What started from a small committee of civic-minded citizens, the project has blossomed into a non-profit organization with a vision for fiberglass bears decorating local businesses and public locations for the upcoming yearlong celebration of New Bern’s 300th birthday.
The hand painted bears may be sponsored by anyone and after their completion, an “adoption ceremony” is held. These occasions have been marked with celebrations from a few dozen folks to crowds of over 100 people! Governor Perdue was in New Bern recently to dedicate the newest bear, which was sponsored by the Coastal Women’s Forum. Currently it is roaming City Hall.
Both the New Bern City Council and Craven County Commissioners have wholeheartedly supported the endeavor. The impact of the bears has already been felt as they have developed quite a tourism buzz. Sightseers have stepped into the visitor’s bureau specifically asking to see the town’s new talisman. Ten bears are out and about in the New Bern area and soon there will be 3 times that number!
For those seeking information on Bear Town Bears may visit www.beartownbears.org or contact Co-Chair Barbara Lubsen at 252-349-5438.
