More Than 230 Officers to Be Deployed as Department Shares Important Safety, Traffic, and Security Information
The New Bedford Police Department is reminding residents and visitors that the 110th Annual Feast of the Blessed Sacrament will take place Thursday, July 30, through Sunday, August 2, bringing thousands of people to the city’s North End for one of the largest cultural celebrations in the region.
To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, more than 230 New Bedford Police officers will be assigned throughout the four-day event, working alongside feast organizers and public safety partners to provide security, manage traffic, and assist attendees.
“We’re proud to support this longstanding New Bedford tradition,” said Chief Paul Oliveira. “Our officers will be highly visible throughout the weekend, and we encourage everyone to plan ahead, follow the event guidelines, and work with us to help make this year’s Feast safe, enjoyable, and memorable for all.”
Traffic Information
Motorists should expect increased traffic and delays in and around the feast grounds and are encouraged to allow extra travel time.
Traffic changes include:
- Hope Street will be converted to a one-way street from Hathaway Street (near the Museum of Madeiran Heritage) to Tinkham Street.
- A traffic checkpoint will be established at Nash Road and Hope Street, with local traffic only permitted beyond that location.
- Guests using rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft are encouraged to use the designated pickup and drop-off location at Belleville Avenue and Earle Street to help reduce congestion around the feast grounds.
New Entry Policy Beginning at 8 p.m.
To enhance public safety, a new policy will take effect this year.
Beginning at 8 p.m. each evening, no one under the age of 21 will be permitted to enter the feast grounds, regardless of whether they are accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other adult.
Individuals under the age of 21 who entered the grounds before 8 p.m. may remain as long as they continue to comply with all feast rules and regulations.
Attendees should expect an increased police and security presence to assist with enforcement of this policy.
Identification Requirements
- Guests 21 years of age and older who wish to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages must present a valid government-issued photo ID.
- Beginning at 8 p.m. each evening, all guests seeking entry to the feast grounds must present a valid government-issued photo ID. Individuals who cannot provide valid identification may be denied entry.
Security Measures
For the safety of all attendees:
- Everyone entering the feast grounds is subject to screening and search by security personnel and law enforcement.
- Metal detectors will be used at all entrances.
- Anyone refusing screening or search will be denied entry.
- Face coverings that conceal an individual’s identity are prohibited except for religious, medical, or other lawful purposes.
Prohibited Items
The following items are not permitted inside the feast grounds:
- Backpacks, oversized purses, and coolers (only clear backpacks, clear Ziplock bags, small purses, wristlets, handheld bags, medical bags, and baby bags are permitted)
- Drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles
- Animals, except service dogs
- GoPro cameras, selfie sticks, tripods, and monopods
- Outside food, beverages, coolers, cans, bottles, and other containers
- Alcoholic beverages
- Illegal drugs or controlled substances
- Weapons of any kind, including pocket and utility knives
- Fireworks, pyrotechnics, flares, and laser pointers
- Hoverboards and Segways
Any item deemed inappropriate by feast staff or law enforcement may also be prohibited.
The New Bedford Police Department thanks residents and visitors for their cooperation and encourages everyone to plan ahead, follow posted traffic patterns, and be patient as officers work to keep the event safe.
The department looks forward to welcoming the community to another successful Feast of the Blessed Sacrament and wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable celebration.
