Woven Together for 250 Years
A Community Yarn Bomb Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary
New Bern's iconic bears are being transformed into a vibrant city-wide public art installation as part of the America's 250th Anniversary celebration. Handmade scarves and cowls created by volunteers from New Bern and beyond will adorn bears throughout the city, creating a colorful expression of creativity, community, and civic pride.
The project brings together neighbors, artists, knitters, crocheters, businesses, and visitors to celebrate our shared history while creating something beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
July 2–16, 2026 | Downtown New Bern & Surrounding Areas
A Community Yarn Bomb Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary
New Bern's iconic bears are being transformed into a vibrant city-wide public art installation as part of the America's 250th Anniversary celebration. Handmade scarves and cowls created by volunteers from New Bern and beyond will adorn bears throughout the city, creating a colorful expression of creativity, community, and civic pride.
The project brings together neighbors, artists, knitters, crocheters, businesses, and visitors to celebrate our shared history while creating something beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
July 2–16, 2026 | Downtown New Bern & Surrounding Areas
|
WHAT IS A YARN BOMB?
Public Art with a Purpose A yarn bomb is a form of street art that uses knitted, crocheted, woven, or fiber-art creations to temporarily decorate public objects. Unlike traditional graffiti, yarn bombing is non-destructive, removable, and designed to add color, creativity, and joy to public spaces. Since its beginnings in the early 2000s, yarn bombing has grown into a worldwide movement that combines art, community engagement, and creative expression. For New Bern's America250 celebration, our yarn bomb transforms the city's beloved bear statues into a unique public art experience that invites residents and visitors to see familiar landmarks in a whole new way. WHY THE BEARS? New Bern's Most Beloved Symbol The bear has been part of New Bern's identity since the city's founding in 1710 by Swiss and German settlers led by Baron Christoph von Graffenried. Named after Bern, Switzerland, New Bern inherited the bear as its enduring symbol. Today, bears appear throughout the city on flags, seals, public art, and signage. In 2010, New Bern's 300th Anniversary inspired the creation of the Bear Town Bears Project, a collection of artist-designed fiberglass bears sponsored by local businesses and organizations. More than 100 bears now stand throughout the community, each telling a unique story about New Bern's history, culture, and people. The Yarn Bomb of the New Bern Bears builds on that tradition—adding a new chapter to the story while celebrating America's 250th birthday. THE STORY BEHIND THE PROJECT More Than Scarves and Cowls The Yarn Bomb of the New Bern Bears was created to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the United States in a way that is creative, inclusive, and community-centered. The project seeks to: ✔ Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary ✔ Highlight New Bern's role as one of North Carolina's oldest cities and first colonial capital ✔ Bring people together through collaborative public art ✔ Encourage civic pride and community engagement ✔ Showcase the artistry of knitters, crocheters, weavers, and fiber artists ✔ Create a colorful attraction that encourages exploration, photography, and tourism ✔ Demonstrate how creativity can unite people across generations and backgrounds WOVEN TOGETHER FOR 250 YEARS Why This Theme? The phrase "Woven Together for 250 Years" represents the larger meaning behind the project. Just as individual strands of yarn are woven together to create something strong and beautiful, communities are built through countless individual contributions, relationships, and shared experiences. This project celebrates the idea that our nation, our city, and our community are stronger because of the many people who help shape them. Every scarf tells a story. Every stitch represents care. Every bear reflects community. WHO IS INVOLVED? Powered by Community The project is organized by the New Bern Yarn Project in partnership with the Craven Arts Council & Gallery. Dozens of volunteers (Most are anonymous)--including knitters, crocheters, fiber artists, yarn enthusiasts, and community supporters—have contributed their time and talents to create the installation. While many participants live in Eastern North Carolina, others have contributed from across the country, demonstrating how creativity and community can connect people far beyond geographic boundaries. |
EVENT DATES
🇺🇸 America's 250th Anniversary Installation July 2 – July 16, 2026 A patriotic display celebrating the nation's semiquincentennial through creativity, history, and community spirit. 🗳 Civic Engagement Installation October 9 – November 4, 2026 A second installation promoting nonpartisan civic engagement and encouraging participation in our democracy. EXPLORE THE BEARS A Community-Wide Scavenger Hunt Visitors are encouraged to: 📍 Discover bears throughout downtown and surrounding areas 📸 Take photos with your favorite bears 🧶 Admire the creativity and craftsmanship of local fiber artists 🏛 Learn more about New Bern's rich history 📱 Share your photos on social media ❤️ Celebrate what connects us as a community Whether you find one bear or all of them, every stop offers a chance to experience art, history, and community in a unique way. |
BE PART OF THE STORY
Your Community. Your History. Your Story.
As you explore the Yarn Bomb of the New Bern Bears, we invite you to pause, reflect, and celebrate the connections that bring us together.
This project is a reminder that great communities—like great works of art—are created one thread at a time.
Join us as we celebrate New Bern, America's 250th Anniversary, and the spirit that has woven us together for 250 years.
#WovenTogetherFor250Years
#NewBernYarnProject
#America250
#BearTownBears
Your Community. Your History. Your Story.
As you explore the Yarn Bomb of the New Bern Bears, we invite you to pause, reflect, and celebrate the connections that bring us together.
This project is a reminder that great communities—like great works of art—are created one thread at a time.
Join us as we celebrate New Bern, America's 250th Anniversary, and the spirit that has woven us together for 250 years.
#WovenTogetherFor250Years
#NewBernYarnProject
#America250
#BearTownBears
Discover More. Connect More. Celebrate Together.
#NewBern250 #WovenTogether
|
|
|
Thank you to all our volunteers who made it happen!
|
Amanda Hukill, New Bern NC - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter)
Anna Falat, Maysville, NC - Mastermind (Organizer) Annika Chhabra, New Bern, NC - Community Partner Annmarie Penvose, New Bern, NC - Bomb Squad (Installed scarves/cowls) Barb Forbes, New Bern - Bomb Squad (Installed scarves/cowls) Barbara Stone, New Bern NC - Mastermind (Organizer) Brenda Reece, Maysville, NC - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter) Brenda McGee, New Bern - Bomb Squad (Installed scarves/cowls) Brianna Tibbetts, New Bern, NC - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter) Carmie Wilson, New Bern, NC - Bomb Squad (Installed scarves/cowls) Carol Forney, New Bern, NC - Bomb Squad (Installed scarves/cowls) Carol Harshman, New Bern, NC - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter) Caroline Green, New Bern - Mastermind (Organizer) Caroline Mandley, New Bern, NC - Bomb Squad (Installed scarves/cowls) Carolyn Stevens, New Bern - Bomb Squad (Installed scarves/cowls) Cathy Cartland, New Bern, NC - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter) Cheryl Salice, New Bern - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter) Cindy Pollotta, New Bern NC - Bomb Squad (Installed scarves/cowls) Claire Shadow, New Bern, NC - Bomb Squad (Installed scarves/cowls) Dana Gaffney, New Bern - Bomb Squad (Installed scarves/cowls) Debbie Davis, New Bern, NC - Bomb Squad (Installed scarves/cowls) Diane Tyndall, Trent Woods, NC - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter) Diane Stewart, New Bern, NC - Bomb Squad (Installed scarves/cowls) Dorie Culp, Philadelphia, PA - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter) Ellie Olesin, New Bern, NC - Bomb Squad (Installed scarves/cowls) Felicity Otero, New Bern - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter) Felicity Oteor, New Bern - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter) Gina Willoughby, New Bern, NC - Bomb Squad (Installed scarves/cowls) Goldie Asoury, Richlands Nc - Other, Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter) Helen Jabs, New Bern, NC - Bomb Squad (Installed scarves/cowls) Jack Wilson, New Bern, NC - Bomb Squad (Installed scarves/cowls) Jada Blankenship, Knoxville, Tennessee - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter) Jan Medeiros, Abingdon, VA - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter) Jan Bell, New Bern, NC - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter) Janice Prentice, New Bern, NC - Bomb Squad (Installed scarves/cowls) Joan Majersky, New Bern, NC - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter) Joanne Friedman, New Bern,NC - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter) Joanne Baranski, New Bern, NC - Bomb Squad (Installed scarves/cowls) Julie Oldani, New Bern, NC - Community Partner Julie Randle, New Bern, NC - Bomb Squad (Installed scarves/cowls) Junisha Rouse, New Bern - Community Partner |
Karen Payton, New Bern - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter)
Karen Mincavage, New Bern. NC - Support Crew Karen Laneville, New Bern Nc - Bomb Squad (Installed scarves/cowls) Kassidy Storms, New Bern, North Carolina - Bomb Squad (Installed scarves/cowls) Kirsten Buckholtz, Pollacksville NC - Bomb Squad (Installed scarves/cowls) Kris Grein, New Bern. NC - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter) Lee Purcell, New Bern, NC - Town Crier (Social Media/Promotion) Linda Dawson, New Bern, NC - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter) Linda Meehan, New Bern, NC - Bomb Squad (Installed scarves/cowls) Linda McGraw, New Bern, NC - Bomb Squad (Installed scarves/cowls) Linda Carlisle , New Bern , NC - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter) Lisa Westerfield, New Bern - Mastermind (Organizer) Lori Leathers , New Bern, NC - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter) Lynne Gaffney, New Bern NC - Mastermind (Organizer) Mark Napier, New Bern, NC - Storyteller (Photographer/Videographer) Marlies Hunziker, New Bern - Community Partner Maryann Bryant, Richlands, NC - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter) Mellisa Gilham, New Bern , NC - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter) Mia Wireman, New Bern, NC - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter) Miriam Beckman, New Bern NC - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter) Miriam Moody, New Bern, NC - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter) Morgan Tripp, New Bern, NC - Community Partner Nan Holton, New Bern, NC - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter) Pamela Murphy, New Bern NC - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter) Pat Broderick, New Bern, NC - Bomb Squad (Installed scarves/cowls) Paula Perutelli, New Bern, NC - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter) Peggy Potts, New Bern NC - Bomb Squad (Installed scarves/cowls) Rebecca Fuller, New Bern, NC - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter) Rhonda Fischer, New Bern - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter) Rob Paine, New Bern, NC - Storyteller (Photographer/Videographer) Robin Johnson, New Bern, NC - Bomb Squad (Installed scarves/cowls) Rose Ann Stabile-Simon, New Bern, NC - Bomb Squad (Installed scarves/cowls) Rose the weaver Justi, New Bern NC - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter) Stacy Broderick, New Bern, NC - Bomb Squad (Installed scarves/cowls) Su Chapman, New Bern, NC - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter) Susan Rouse, New Bern, NC - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter) Tami Waegner, New Bern, NC - Bomb Squad (Installed scarves/cowls) Tammy Ogle, New Bern, NC - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter) Theresa Smith, New Bern, North Carolina - Yarn Artist (Knitter/Crocheter) Trader Construction, New Bern, NC - Community Partner Tricia Dietz, New Bern, NC - Bomb Squad (Installed scarves/cowls) |
