Grassroots initiative capitalizes on Local Legend

February 25th, 2008 | webmaster | BeastFest 2007

By: Carrie Banks

Nestled securely within the coastal plain of southeastern North Carolina, Bladenboro, a former mill town founded in 1903, is a quiet, unassuming community of approximately 1,700 residents—friendly folk accustomed to unhurried lifestyles. Like a thousand other little towns across the United States, there’s nothing particularly unusual about Bladenboro. Nothing, that is, unless you consider the sudden appearance of a vampire east that catapulted the tine hamlet into a terrified frenzy for nearly two weeks during the winter of 1953-54 as it killed dogs, goats and other small farm animals by crushing their skulls and draining their blood.

Adding to the chaos was an influx of big-game hunters, thrill-seekers and reporters as well as a passel of trained bear– and cat-hunting dogs. Soon the problem of the vampire beast became a secondary concern as the tiny town struggled to deal with hundreds of nervous, armed people roaming throughout the community. On January 8, 1954, after seven continuous days of hunting with no results, Bladenboro’s mayor; W.G. Fussell, called off the hunt in the interest of public safety. No creature, blood-sucking or otherwise, was ever found, and the mystery of the Beast of Bladenboro (BOB) remained unsolved for more than 50 years—until October 27, 2007 when BOB was discovered roaming freely through the streets during the town’s inaugural BeastFest.

Capitalizing on the enduring local legend, a group of tireless, enthusiastic citizens formed a grassroots communityaction organization, Boost the ‘Boro, Inc., and the Beast of Bladenboro Festival—the first official festival in the town’s history—became a reality.

“We really got serious about the planning in March 2007,” said Lisa Hester, Boost the ‘Boro board member and a BeastFest organizer. “There was much anticipation leading up to the event. The feedback is that everyone was very surprised at what was happening in our small town on a Saturday—shocked might be the best word, even among some of the committee members. It turned out to be a fantastic day and I’m already looking forward to next year!” Indeed, the efforts exceeded all expectations. Following heavy (and much appreciated) rainstorms on Thursday and Friday, the skies cleared and the weather cooled for the Saturday event. By 10:00 a.m. a three-block areas was filled with people enjoying a variety of food and entertainment, including a chance to meet BOB, who was decked out in a bright orange T-shirt and wasn’t nearly as intimidating as the 1954 reports. In addition, festival attendees were able to purchase BeastFest t-shirts, pins, stickers, charms and stuffed “Baby BOBs” as well as a commemorative Beast of Bladenboro booklet— a 95-page compilation of newspaper articles and writings solely about BOB. Free black and orange BeastFest balloons were available as were rides on a vintage 1913 wagon pulled by two impressive draft horses.

The collard sandwiches, turkey legs and funnel cakes were an instant hit and Southern-style baked goods prepared by local church groups were sold out by early afternoon. Between the carnival rides and inflated bouncers; the face painting provided by Bladenboro Hardware Company; the classic car show; a multitude of vendors (particularly the guy selling marshmallow spitters made from PVC pipe); 15 musical acts, including gospel groups, a jazz band, and a performance by Cool Heat; and an appearance by Bladenboro native, April Storms-Britt, Mrs. North Carolina United States 2007 and 1st Runner up to Mrs. United States, a grand time was had by all.

Mayor Livingston Lewis was thrilled with the turnout that easily exceeded the town’s population. “This is the result of a lot of hard work by a group of fantastic volunteers who truly care about the future of our community,” he said.

Ensuring the vitality of the bedroom community is exactly why Boost the ‘Boro was formed. “The goal is to continue our efforts to bring the community together while letting the region and the world know that Bladenboro is still a viable town with a lot to offer,” said Hiram Hester, Boost the ‘Boro president. Indeed, two new companies, Palmer Marine and Birdsong Peanuts, have located in the industrial park on the outskirts of town since Boost the ‘Boro’s 2006 inception. Other small businesses are slowly establishing themselves within the downtown vicinity, including Bladenboro Hardware Company (reopened in 2005), whose store front boasts an impressive agricultural mural by local artist Judy Sessoms, and Summit Design Group, an engineering firm owned by Bladenboro resident, Rob Armstrong, who completely gutted and renovated a dilapidated 1950s brick building located on historical Main Street.

“It was a natural decision to locate my business in Bladenboro,” he said. “It’s convenient to my home and a great way for me to give back to the communityi that raised me and where I’ve chosen to raise my own children,” he said. It is the hope of Boost the ‘Boro’s directors and committee memberes tha their grassroots initiatives will continue to be fruitful and that next year’s BeastFest, scheduled for October 25th, will once again exceed expectations. After all, BOB has a knack for bringing folks together.

Carrie considers herself fortunate to have been raised in Bladenboro, N.C.—a place she still fondly refers to as “home.” She received her BA in Journalism from East Carolina University in 1991 and her MA in Public Relations and Advertising from The University of Alabama in 1992. She has lived in Montgomery, Alabama, for the past 13 years where she is the communications director for the Alabama League of Municipalities, a sister association to the North Carolina League of Municipalities