Whaling City Festival Alters Sunday Hours, Boosts Police Presence After Stabbings

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — Following the triple stabbing that occurred on Saturday night in the area of Buttonwood Park, the Whaling City Festival has announced it will close earlier on its final night tonight.

The festival also pointed out that the incident happened outside of the festival grounds.

“The Whaling City Festival is saddened by the unfortunate incident that occurred, approximately a quarter-mile outside of the festival area, on Saturday evening,” the festival posted in a statement on its Facebook page.

READ MORE: Triple Stabbing at New Bedford's Whaling City Festival

“The safety of our guests, volunteers, vendors, and staff remains our highest priority,” the statement read. “The Whaling City Festival is a family-focused community event, and we appreciate the New Bedford Police Department for their swift response and continued partnership.”

According to New Bedford Police, officers responded at about 8:45 p.m. on July 11 to the festival for a reported disturbance.

Police said officers learned a fight had broken out at the festival, and that three people were stabbed as a result. The three individuals were taken to the hospital for treatment. Their condition has not been released.

Festival Adjusts Sunday Hours After Nearby Incident

The festival posted today that after discussions with New Bedford Police, additional officers will be at the festival today and the hours have been adjusted “to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.”

The festival was originally slated to end at 9 p.m., but will instead end at 8 p.m.

Mayor Mitchell Issues a Statement on Triple Stabbing

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell posted a statement on the City’s Facebook page on Sunday.

“Last night’s incident at the Whaling City Festival is unacceptable, especially at what purports to be a family oriented event,” he said. “The police department and other relevant city agencies will conduct a full review of the festival’s safety protocols, including whether a closing time after dusk is appropriate, and will determine what additional measures must be in place. In the meantime, the police department has ordered the festival to close tonight at 8 p.m.”

New Bedford Police Union Appeals to Public for Tips

The New Bedford Police Union also posted about the triple stabbing on its Facebook page, asking anyone with information to call the department at (508) 991-6300 x79519, or to submit an anonymous tip at (508) 961-4584.

“It is important to note that information received from members of our community could be vital in assisting us during the investigation of this incident,” the NBPU posted.