Jane Ann Blackerby and Nat Baggett spearheaded a fun fire hydrant paint project for our Nation’s Bicentennial Anniversary in 1976 and as founders of the project have been charged again with a similar project. Only this time, the ladies along with over 25 volunteers have painted the fire hydrants with historical characters that influenced New Bern from 1700 – 2009 in celebration of New Bern’s 300th Anniversary. Use the following reference to visit the 32 colored fire hydrants that were strategically painted throughout the Historic Downtown District. Due to freezing temperatures, painting has ceased because it’s not conducive to paint in the low temperatures, but the project should be finished soon! Visit New Bern Now's Photo Gallery for pictures of some of the finished fire hydrants.