It
all began on July 7, 1962, when members of the
Chamber of Commerce and City of Bristol officials met and
completed a six day long schedule of events aiming to focus
attention on the many positive factors in Bristol. Many
felt
there is a great deal to be proud of in Bristol and the
spotlight
should be turned onto the things too frequently taken for
granted.
The Festival opened in 1962, then known as the Fall Festival.
The following year 1963, the Chrysanthemum was
incorporated into the name Bristol Chrysanthemum Festival.
Today the annual gala function, sponsored by the
Greater Bristol Chamber of Commerce,
accents the arts, theater, music,
dance, and athletics.
This bringing together of activities truly demonstrates that
people can
gather together to produce a "happening" of which the
City of Bristol
can well be proud. The Mum Festival has been expanded to include
programs
of variety and excitement again reiterating
the seriousness which reflects true community interests.
One of the most rewarding things about the
Bristol Chrysanthemum Festival is that people from all
backgrounds and interests have an opportunity to combine
efforts. The Bristol area is filled with talent and creativity
and its
residents are enjoying an opportunity to display it. The
ultimate success of the festival is provided by the delight,
enjoyment and excitement experienced by the thousands
who attend the events that combine to become the
Bristol Chrysanthemum Festival.
The above excerpt from the
Bristol Press
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