City Announces Plans For New Year’s Eve Celebration

With less than two weeks to go, the City of New Bedford is gearing up for the quickly approaching City Celebrates New Year's Eve event. 

During a Monday morning news conference, Mayor Jon Mitchell was joined by Dagny Ashley, Director of Tourism and Marketing for Destination New Bedford, and Diane Arsenault, Executive Director of Downtown New Bedford, Inc, to announce this year's activities.

Plenty of free entertainment will fill the streets of downtown on New Year's Eve, capped off with the annual fireworks spectacular at 8:30 PM.

Unlike most years, State Pier will be closed to the public due to a ship in port. To make up for the closure, the lower portion of Union Street will be blocked off to traffic.

"Route 18 through Union Street up to Water Street is closed off for vehicles and pedestrians will be able to enjoy fireworks right from there," said Ashley.

Representatives from Bristol County Savings Bank were also in attendance to present the city with their annual donation for the New Year's Eve celebration.

President Patrick Murray presented a check for $20,000. The bank has been a major sponsor of the event since 2010.