New Bedford, Massachusetts- Mark your calendar, the Standard-Times Greater New Bedford Summerfest 2008 is scheduled for the first weekend in July.  The event kicks off in the Downtown New Bedford Historic District on Friday evening with a concert and the City’s fireworks display and then continues on both Saturday and Sunday with music, artisan crafters, local and ethnic cuisine and more.

Summerfest 2008 will feature six performance venues featuring acts by internationally recognized musical artists.  Downtown cobblestone streets will be lined with displays by more than 90 different artisan crafters.  Also this year, a food court will be located in Custom House Square and will feature an expanded selection of food vendors, seafood, vegetarian, and a variety of traditional ethnic cuisines. 

Diane Nichols who, managed Summerfest 2007 and has been involved in its management for the past 15 years, will again this year coordinate the New Bedford event.  Ms. Nichols said Summerfest has always experienced outstanding community support and this year is no exception.  “We’re delighted to welcome our newest community partner, Artworks, who will coordinate a variety of fun, new, and creative activities for families and children to enjoy.”  The Artworks gallery will also be open to festival goers to enjoy. “We’re looking forward to partnering with more community organizations like Artworks as well as area businesses to enhance and expand on a wonderful event,” continued Ms. Nichols.

Businesses interested in supporting this event should contact Diane Nichols at (508) 979-1745.  Tax-deductible contributions can be made to Summerfest c/o the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts.  For more information on the festival, visit our web site at www.newbedfordsummerfest.com.

Elizabeth Treadup (Mayor's Office)

View all articles by Elizabeth Treadup (Mayor's Office)