Welcome to the 2009 Beast of Bladenboro Festival, Downtown Bladenboro, NC. You are invited to submit an application for our festival to be held on Saturday, October 31, 2009, from 10:00 am until 10:00 pm.

The deadline for Vendor Applications is October 25, 2009 !

Registration & setup will begin on Saturday, October 31st from 6:30am to 8:30am. It is requested that all vendors remain open until at least 6:00 pm.

Restroom facilities & trash receptacles will be provided. Food vendors are responsible for properly disposing of any & all cooking refuse. Vendors are responsible for supervising their children at all times.

Power requirement: A single 110v electrical hookup will be available for an additional $10 fee. Due to limited availability, only one outlet will be allotted per vendor on a “first come-first serve” basis. Vendors are responsible for extension cords. Whisper quiet generators are welcome.

In selecting our vendors, every effort will be made to minimize the duplication of products sold.

All applicants are required to return the following items to the Festival Committee for consideration:
1. Legible completed & signed vendor application
2. Money order, cash or certified check for the entire amount of the registration fee.
Certified checks will be made payable to “Boost the ‘Boro”.
3. Detailed list of food/craft items you intend to sell.
4. Size of space needed for your booth or trailer.
5. At least two (2) photos or a brochure of your merchandise/booth or trailer.
Applications without included photo or brochure will not be considered.
6. If you wish to have your photos returned, please include a self addressed stamped envelope with your application.

Click here for the Vendor Application Form.

Thank you for your interest in the Beast of Bladenboro Festival. We look forward to seeing you!

2009 Beast of Bladenboro Festival Committee

North Carolina native Milton Bullock has entertained audiences most of his life with his satin-smooth voice and his natural stage presence. From 1965 until 1970, he performed as 1st tenor in the legendary vocal group The Platters. Their music is known by millions, with worldwide hits such as Only You, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, and My Prayer.

After The Platters disbanded, Bullock continued his work in the music and film industry. You may have seen him in such films as “Home Alone 2” and “Prelude to a Kiss”, among others. Presently, his solo performances as The Golden Platter continue to wow audiences—young and old—because of his sensational voice. In addition, he produces his internationally famous musical showcase, Back Down Memory Lane.

Though most people are familiar with Bullock’s entertainment credentials, he is most proud of his work with kids. His organization “Do It For The Kids/Children Foundation” is committed to the welfare of America’s at-risk youth. He has been able to use his celebrity status to motivate young people as well as to bring other celebrities into the act of giving troubled kids the inspiration to succeed.

In addition to his work with youth, Bullock spends a great deal of effort making life better for the elderly. He has appeared at nursing homes and hospitals using his gift to put a smile on their faces.

The voice of The Golden Platter takes audiences from all ages and transports them to a magical time when life was simple and romance was alive. For more information about Bullock and his “Do It For The Kids/Children Foundation,” visit his website at www.thegoldenplatter.com.

BeastFest 2008 is proud to welcome to the stage, Storyteller Terry Rollins. Mr. Rollins comes to us from Bath, North Carolina, from where he travels the country sharing his large repertoire of stories—from North Carolina Folk Tales and History stories to Pirates and Seashore Stories.

He also shares First Nation Legends, the sharing of Native American stories. Mr. Rollins says in his web site, “I am not Native American and I make that clear from the start. I do, however, have a deep appreciation and respect for the First People of this land. To honor their history and to celebrate their rich culture, I offer a presentation of legends, songs, and information from a cross-section of North American tribes.

Mr. Rollins shares Personal Stories. Quoting from his website, “I have developed, and continue to explore, stories based upon events and experiences from my childhood. Most of these are very funny, such as, I Want an Egg and Now, Grandma! Now!, which most listeners know as my “whipped cream story”. Listeners of all ages enjoy my Personal Stories.” Included also are Ghost Stories, stories from Around the World, and stories for the Environment and the Peaceful Warrior.

Mr. Rollins began storytelling while working (1979-1991) in the library at The Governor Morehead School for the Blind. “I became librarian in 1986 and my weekly story-times became weekly story-tellings.” He says, “I grew up in a Southern family where storytelling was a way of life. Whether it was conversation at supper or at a holiday get-together, or talk heard at a big family reunion, no time together was complete without loads of stories and laughter being shared. I guess it was only natural that I, too, would grow up to be a storyteller.”

Of his biggest contribution to storytelling, without hesitation he would say that it was the creation of The Journal of Tar Heel Tellers. From 1994 until 2000, he and friend Mark Russell pursued his vision of producing a newsletter that would connect storytellers throughout North Carolina.

He was part of the founding team of the North Carolina Storytelling Guild where his newsletter immediately became the Guild’s official newsletter. (He served as the Guild’s president from July 2002 to June 2003.)

Because of my own interest in folklore, I’m very excited that Mr. Rollins reserved a space on his busy calendar for BeastFest 2008. Who knows, he may return next year with a special story about Bladenboro’s Vampire Beast!

An internet search for information about Coastline brings a lot of information, including previews of their music! Info I found to help in my introduction is as follows: This group has received every award that can be given to a band at the CAMMYs (Carolina Music Awards). They have received Group of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, and Song of the Year more times than anyone.

Their own website, www.coastlineband.com shows three albums—Sneakin’ Out Back, Sweet ‘N’ Ripe, and Lead Sleds, Rust Bombs, and Other Great Classics. You ain’t heard good music until you hear their song, Mama’s Drinkin Liquor Again.

Quoting from their website: Mark Twain once said, “A Southerner talks music.” If this is true, Coastline speaks in volumes. An eclectic blend of soul, blues, and rock has produced the sound known as Coastline. From hard driving Carolina back beats, to Georgia southern rock, from Cajun inspired grooves, to Texas and Delta blues; Coastline truly defines the sound of historical Southern music. With finesse, the pure forms of southern music are transformed into a modern contemporary art form.

The inimitable vocals and humorous antics of lead singer Jim Quick are captivating and a perfect hybrid of every essence of soul. He has won more accolades than any other entertainer at the Carolina Music Awards. Guitarist, Casey Meyer is the blues boy in the band. Although the youngest member of Coastline in regard to age, Casey slides on his guitar with the confidence and grace of his many adored older mentors. He is the essence of Coastline’s roots and earmark. His partner in crime, Albert Rogers on bass, comes to Coastline via The Band and Grayson Hugh not to mention Albert’s a great singer in his own right. The multi-talented Glen Tippett rounds out this perfect culmination of musicians. This virtuoso is a highly trained saxophonist and keyboardist and completes this unique sound of the south.

Coastline is signed with Atlanta-based label, Landslide Records. Their debut national release, Sweet ’N’ Ripe, released in April of 2005 is a perfect collection of the nuances of the band. Over half of the album is original material written by the group, while the remainder of the album is comprised of rare material from legendary impressionable artists such as Hank Ballard, Lee Dorsey, and Jimmy Reed.

The buzz is on about Coastline. With their legions of fans known as Coastline Crazies, the band travels all over performing more than 300 shows per year. Teamed with management company, Green Dot Music, Coastline is one of the most sought after acts on the road today, staying booked over a year in advance. Coastline has rapidly become a staple in Americana music.

The band is absolute incredible, a Carolina staple much desired throughout the country. Having them perform at our festival is a special treat for our festival and I ask that you join me in making them welcome to BeastFest 2008. Lets encourage them to compose a song about Bladenboro’s Vampire Beast! Maybe they can debut it next year at BeastFest 2009!!!

This year’s festival has something for everyone and will be sure to attract kids of all ages. Our kid’s attractions will include a Froot Loop Moon Walk, Wild Wave Slide, Pirate Ship Obstacle Course and Gyro Extreme. You can also win lots of prizes at the new Game Corral. Face painting, airbrush tattoos and marshmallow shooters will no doubt capture your child’s attention. This year we will debut what is sure to be a festival favorite, Traxx the Train…line up to ride this colorful new addition to Beast Fest. The horse drawn wagon will be returning to give festival goers a leisurely ride around town.

If you love to eat, Beast Fest is the place for you! Begin the festival day with breakfast…the Bladenboro Rotary Club will be serving delicious pastries and coffee or visit one of our local grills to enjoy your favorite menu items. Stay downtown for your lunch and dinner…you won’t be sorry. Boost the ‘Boro will again be selling “Beast Butts” and sliced pork sandwiches…cooked on-site and sold right off the grill! Various food vendors from across NC and surrounding states will tempt you with their goodies. Just to name a few…Homemade ice cream, chicken bog, fried chicken, turkey legs, seafood, Asian food, roasted corn, sweet potato ribbons, corn dogs, Hobo Sandwiches, Taco in a Bag, chicken wings, home fries, apple dippers, funnel cakes, bloomin’ onions, strawberry shortcake, baked goods and back by popular demand….Collard Sandwiches! Our 1st Annual Chili Cook-Off will also kick off during the morning and the winners will be announced at 5:00pm. Don’t forget to stop by and sample all of these great recipes.

During the day, you may visit various arts and crafts exhibits that showcase items made locally and from all over North Carolina. Take a break from shopping and grab a seat to enjoy our entertainment stage. Various local entertainers will take the stage at 10:30am and provide all day entertainment with singing, dancing, and even a gymnastics exhibition. At 4:00pm, Storyteller Terry Rollins of Bath, NC will capture everyone’s attention with great stories from across the state…there may even be a few ghost stories. Wonder if he has a good Beast story?

If you’re a fan of the ‘50’s and ‘60’s, you have to come to Beast Fest. We’re proud to have North Carolina native Milton Bullock, “The Golden Platter’, attend our event. From 1965 until 1970, he performed as 1st tenor in the legendary vocal group The Platters. Stop by to meet him…he will be available to sign autographs and share his memories of his years with the group. He will also have CDs available for purchase. He will even take the stage and honor us with some of old favorites.

At 6pm…..Its’ Coastline Time! Bring a chair, bring your dancing shoes and plan to have a great time with Jim Quick and Coastline. No lack of energy when this multi-award winning group takes the stage. Don’t leave until the plate is passed…you’ll see what I mean!

The Beast of Bladenboro Festival Committee and Boost the ‘Boro thanks everyone for supporting the festival and the many projects they have undertaken this year.

Chili Cook-Off Application

This packet of information is being sent to you in hopes that you will be a part of our annual festival. Everyone who contributed last year as well as new potential sponsors are being contacted. This packet includes:

• 2nd Annual Beast of Bladenboro Festival Flyer
• 2008 Sponsor Form
• List of 2007 Sponsors
• List of 2008 Sponsors

The sponsor form is self explanatory and lists the four different levels of sponsorships that are available. Each sponsorship level includes varying degrees of exposure for your sponsor fee. You can complete the form and mail your fee to the address indicated.

The 2007 List of Sponsors is included so that you can have an opportunity to see exactly who participated last year. Our 2007 sponsors really came through for us in a big way. We appreciate their support. We hope all of last year’s sponsors will participate again. If you were not a sponsor last year, we want to add you to our list of supporters. You can make this an opportunity to develop a friendly rivalry between businesses or individuals. See what your competitors did last year and match or even exceed that level this year.

Boost the ‘Boro is a registered nonprofit organization. All of your monetary contributions are tax deductible. Your sponsorship fees will not only bring great exposure to you or your business but it will also help us keep lots of our festival activities free to the public.
Our Annual Beast of Bladenboro Festival is our main fund raising activity. Proceeds from this event will be used to fund revitalization and beautification projects in Bladenboro as well as maintain our web site and monthly newsletter.

Sincerely,
Festival Committee

Saturday, October 25th the festival will kick off at 10:00 am. The Car Show registration runs from 8-12. Awards will be given out at 2:00 pm.

The registration fee is $20.00 per car. Registration discounts of $2.00 per car will apply to any club or group that registers 5 or more vehicles at the same time.

Awards will be given to the Top 50 Cars, with trophies for the Best of Show, Best Ford, Best Chevy, Best Mopar, Best Old and New Corvette, Best Old and New Mustang, Best Import, Best Sport Compact, Best Truck, and more. Cash awards will be given to the Best of Show, the Youngest Driver, and the Oldest Driver.

Come join in the fun!!! The Festival includes live music, lots of foods, dancing, rides, crafts, and lots of fun for the entire family on into the evening.

For more information, call Jason or Betsy Helms at 910-648-2080 or Jon Hasbrouck at 910-863-3309
j.hasbrouck@borobooster.org