The Whaling City Festival was once considered the kickoff to summer for families in the greater New Bedford area. When it ended in 2014, no one was more disappointed than New Bedford Police Sergeant, Josh Fernandes.
“I remember as a kid cutting out the announcement in the newspaper. We’d put it on the refrigerator door and count the days. Like many other families back then, we couldn’t afford the big amusement parks or lofty travel expenses. So, as it was for many other local folks, visiting the Whaling City Festival WAS my vacation, it was my Six Flags… my Disney. It was a family tradition that I wanted to hold onto, and pass on to my children,” he said.
Fernandes, along with the rest of the New Bedford Police Union, brought back a festival to Buttonwood Park and this year secured the name Whaling City Festival. “There’s a lot of good and bad connotation associated with the Whaling City Festival. We are working to bring it back to when the festival was at its height. It’s going to take time, but it’s worth it.”
Fernandes’ passion for this community event is palpable. He sees this not only as an important summer tradition that New Bedford was in danger of losing, but also as a way to better relations between the police force and people in the area. The new Whaling City Festival is being put on solely by the New Bedford Police Union.
“As police officers, we wanted to schedule the carnival, circus, and vendors as a way of giving back to our community and city. We’d finally found a way to provide families with an affordable event at which they could enjoy themselves, spend time together and make their own memories like we had,” said Fernandes.
The new festival began as the New Bedford Police Union’s Family Fun Festival and has been growing every year. A new carnival was brought in to provide better entertainment for families. The Zerbini Family Circus bring old fashion circus fun under a big top. Wrestling will be returning this year with a former WWF/WWE Superstar making an appearance. In addition, there will be food trucks, retail stalls, and arts and crafts.
The Whaling City Festival takes place at Buttonwood Park Thursday July 6th – Sunday July 9th.
“We want to keep it as affordable as possible. We want everyone to be able to come and enjoy themselves. We want families to come out and have a great time. Ride some rides, enjoy a circus show, play games,” said Fernandes.
For more information or to purchase tickets to the Zerbini circus visit newbedfordpoliceunion.org
Sponsored Content
About Rebecca Romo
