Whaling City Festival In Jeopardy

There are reports that the Whaling City Festival will not be held this year, at least in New Bedford. WBSM News learned that organizers sent a letter to city officials, seeking to extend the festival's hours at Buttonwood Park. The city reportedly denied the request.

Police Chief David Provencher is opposed to any change in the festival's hours of operation. He says Buttonwood Park is mostly unlit after dark and is tough to patrol. The Chief says it his job to value public safety over profit margins.

The Chief added the city has bent over backwards to accomodate summer festivals and the services delivered to the Whaling City Festival have been "monumental".

He said the issue is a two way street. The Feast of the Blessed Sacrement extended their hours of operation but hired more police officers to make sure surrounding neighborhoods were kept safe.