By Laura Bailey
Generations of Bristol residents filled Memorial Boulevard to celebrate the 62nd Annual Bristol Mum Festival.
The festivities commenced Friday night under clear skies with the “Hometown Heroes” opening ceremonies. This year’s honorees were members of the Bristol Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), with Fire Chief Richard Hart serving as the 2024 festival Grand Marshal.
“Truly humbled and honored to be given this title as Grand Marshal of the Mum Festival Parade,” said Hart. “Thank you so much to the Exchange Club and the Mum Festival Committee for putting on such a fantastic event.”
The beloved community event spanning from Friday night through Sunday, brought a weekend filled with food, live music, arts and entertainment.
In recognition of the Hometown Heroes, the Mum Festival Committee provided free cupcakes and homemade punch to attendees.
“The cupcakes are a way to celebrate CERT, our Hometown Heroes,” Donna Dognin said. “As chair of the Hometown Heroes Committee, I’m honored to acknowledge them and Grand Marshal Chief Hart.”
The evening continued with performances by singer-songwriter Faith Rheault, who entertained the crowd with an eclectic mix of original songs and pop favorites. Following her set, the Billy Joel tribute band River of Dreams had festivalgoers singing and dancing to classics like “Uptown Girl.”
The midway buzzed with activity as younger attendees enjoyed carousel rides, Funhouse antics, and carnival games. The sweet aroma of traditional carnival fare; candy apples, fried Oreos, and popcorn filled the air, tempting guests to indulge in their favorite treats.
“We have a lot of great food this year,” vendor relations director Andy Adams said. “23 food trucks and booths along with our Bristol Blues and Brew Beer tent. There’s something for everyone. We also have 130 vendors, great bands, actives and programs”
Left: Susan Gendreau and Donna Dognin of the Mum Festival Committee. Right: Singer-songwriter Faith Rheault. | Laura Bailey
Young guests enjoying their favorite festival rides. | Laura Bailey
Festivalgoers partaking in their favorite carnival rides. | Laura Bailey
The enticing array of culinary options included local favorite Food Trucks such as Dem Boyz Grill & Catering, Grandma Lil’s, Ted’s Steamed Cheeseburgers and Spot on Tacos, with a diverse selection ranging from fried chicken and hotdogs to clam chowder and baked stuffed potatoes.
“For me, it’s all about the food,” said Deb Miller, “the more the merrier. I mean, I can get tacos and pierogies then a loaded baked potato. I haven’t even thought about desert yet, but it’s probably going to be a candy apple because I loved them as a kid.”
Saturday’s activities engaged festivalgoers of all ages. Children enjoyed interactions with costumed characters and petting friendly farm animals at the petting zoo. Popular activities included hayrides, pony rides, and pumpkin painting in the kid zone. The annual Classic Car Show at the BAIMS parking lot attracted a record crowd, featuring over 200 classic cars.
As the sun set, hundreds gathered near the main stage to see headliner band Soul Sound Revue. The Motown tribute band performed energetic covers from Hall of Fame artists including Smokey Robinson, The Temptations and Stevie Wonder.
The Mum Festival is produced by the Bristol Exchange Club of Connecticut, Inc., and sponsored by the City of Bristol
Laura Bailey can be reached at lbailey@bristoledition.org
All TBE readers, supporters and donors
The Bristol Edition will be limiting the number of stories non-members and free readers may access each week. This decision is based on our financial projections and, most certainly, to remind people that TBE is serious about providing accurate, timely and thorough reporting for Bristol. To do this we have devised a financial support structure that makes unlimited access extremely affordable, beginning with a $6 monthly donation.
- Non-members will be able to access four (4) articles per week.
- Free readers and people who have subscribed by email will be able to access four (4) articles per week.
- Donors and financial supporters will have unlimited access as long as they log in.
Note: Donors may have to contact TBE if they find they are being limited, since we will need to set up a membership account for you. Email editor@bristoledition.org for instructions. Sorry for any inconvenience. People with financial difficulties may write editor@bristoledition.org to be considered for free access.
