The Great Trent River Raft Race 2024

New Bern Puppets performed at The Great Trent River Raft Race held at Union Point Park in downtown New Bern, NC. The event featured boat and raft races, music, pirate reenactors, magic acts, and vendors selling crafts and food. We gave four shows of “The Sea Witch’s Wrath.” While a hot and humid day, everyone had a fun and enjoyable time.

The event was sponsored by the New Bern Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber did their homework, as the Great Trent River Raft Race was meticulously organized.

Event map

The Chamber positioned us away from the music and under a big shady day. We were grateful to have ourselves and our spectators out of the hot summer sun.

We were next to an awesome performer, Gary Shelton, who gave three half-hour magic shows. Our magician friend promoted our shows and we announced his performances (which began after our shows concluded). Gary indeed drew a cute rabbit out of his hat – to the delight of children!

Before and after each show Dennis demonstrated to the spectators how marionettes are operated.

Here Dennis chats with Austyn who led the Fife and Drum corp from Tryon Palace. They are Americans and not British reenactors- red coats were traditionally worn by Colonial musicians.

A fife and drum corp

Among the vendors were Ben Lindemann. With his drone, Ben produces incredible aerial photography.

Man wearing big white hat and blue tee shirt and shorts

About

Dennis Listermann-Vierling

Dennis became interested in puppetry in 1968 at a young age. Later, his first business called “Lilies of the Field Marionettes” was featured May 18, 2009, on “Roy’s Folks” airing on WGHP Fox 8 News.

Dennis Vierling in red outfit