When you’ve lived in the same area for a while it becomes easy for everything to take on a “been there, done that” vibe.  Trying to be inventive with date ideas can really leave a person stumped, and that goes for all ages and relationship types.  If you feel like all of your date ideas have boiled down to the same restaurant, movie theatre or bar maybe it’s time for some fresh ideas.  Luckily, Greater New Bedford has plenty of fun things to do that are often overlooked.

Hopefully in this “10 Unique Date Ideas” article, you will find at least one thing you’ve never done before that will bring a little fun back into your relationship… even if it’s not a relationship of the romantic variety!  A lot of these ideas are bound to work just as well with a group of friends as they are with a significant other.

1. Go Kayaking
You are sure to have a memorable experience at Osprey Sea and Surf Adventures.  Located at 489 Old County Road in Westport, Osprey offers a variety of kayak rentals as well as Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP).  Osprey is situated at the head of the East Branch of the Westport River, which is a truly picturesque area.  Not only are kayaking and SUP excellent workouts, they allow you the chance to take in the beauty of the area at your own leisure.

Osprey caters to paddlers of all levels.  If you and your date are beginners looking for lessons they offer them.  On the other hand, if you are looking to amp up your kayaking or SUP skills by going into the waves you can also gain further instruction from their experts.  Osprey also offers SUP and kayak tours that range from scenic and casual to adventurous and physically demanding.

Whether your idea of fun is bird watching on the river or testing your limits against currents, Osprey Sea and Surf Adventures can help you get there and make for an unforgettable date.  For more information on rental costs, courses and tours go to: http://ospreyseakayak.com/.

2. Find Your Inner Child
No matter your age, acting like a kid can be a lot of fun.  If you’re looking for a way to loosen up on your next date, consider doing something you haven’t done in a long time.  If you’re really looking to bring out that 12 year old self, there’s always Lazer Gate (http://www.lazergate.com/) located at 288 Plymouth Avenue in Fall River.  Decked out with black lights and cool laser guns you can team up together to take opposite sides and navigate the mazes and catwalks as you exchange laser fire.  If you’re worried about being surrounded by actual children, go late at night, especially on weeknights (you’re an adult, you get to make your own bedtime!).  Lazer Gate is open until 10 PM weeknights and until midnight on weekends.  With events like college nights and free mom and dad nights you won’t be the only big kid there anyways.

And speaking of black lights, indoor mini golf puts a crazy spin on an otherwise typical date cliché.  Ocean’s 18 (www.oceans-18.com) in New Bedford creates an under the sea theme and actually serves wine and beer to those 21+.  Additionally, Ocean’s 18 has a golf simulator for those looking to practice their swing.

3. Take a Hike
While Southeastern Massachusetts may be rather built up with cities, highways and other developments, it is not without beautiful reservations and state parks.  No matter what the time of year is, you are subject to find some breathtaking views if you are willing to put on some walking shoes and take a short drive.

The Dartmouth National Resources Trust (DNRT) maintains 40 acres of walking trails that includes the much talked about Daffodil Field which is a popular sight in the Spring.  To learn more about the Daffodil field, read our article (http://www.newbedfordguide.com/daffodil-field-at-parsons-reserve/2011/04/20).  To learn more about the trails and the DNRT, go to http://dnrt.org/.

Another beautiful area in Dartmouth for walking paths is the Lloyd Center for the Environment (http://lloydcenter.org/).  Featuring 5 trails, this area has stunning views of Buzzards Bay, Demarest Lloyd State Park, Mishaum Point and the islands.

If you are more into paved paths, two great local state parks offer incredible ocean views and plenty of nice picnic spots. The first is Fort Phoenix in Fairhaven, and the second, Fort Tabor is located right across the New Bedford Harbor.  Both have interesting historical context and easy to walk on paths.

4. Challenge Your Taste Buds

If you find that dinner usually consists of the same old pub food or pizza, maybe it’s time to try something with a little ethnic kick to it.  There are numerous intriguing places to eat in the South Coast, and spicing up dinner a little can spice up your date as well.

If you’re interested in getting sushi for dinner check out my article on 5 Spectacular Sushi Spots (http://www.newbedfordguide.com/5-spectacular-sushi-spots/2012/04/24).  Testing out new sushi rolls and eating with chopsticks can be an engaging way to spend your date night out!

Of course, Portuguese cuisine is a staple of New Bedford culture.  My personal favorite place for Portuguese food is Antonio’s Restaurant which offers huge servings of authentic Portuguese foods.  For more information about Antonio’s, or to look at the menu, go to http://www.antoniosnewbedford.com/.

Thai food is also delicious and a personal favorite of mine.  If you’re looking for a restaurant off the beaten path, check out Sivalai Thai Cuisine in Fairhaven.  Located in a cute little place it has a charming atmosphere and amazing food that ranges from sweet Pad Thai to spicy Pad Kee-Mao.  You can also stick to the downtown area and share a Thai dinner at the equally charming Spicy Lime restaurant.

Finally, if you’ve been missing the rich flavors of Korean cuisine ever since Ginger Grill changed to Commons, drive over to Dartmouth and check out From the Seoul.  New Bedford Guide’s Elsa Yeung called it “the best, most authentic Asian food in the area” and I have to agree!  To read her whole review go here (http://www.newbedfordguide.com/restaurant-review-from-the-seoul/2012/04/28).

5. Find a Unique Event

There are often many interesting and one-of-a-kind happenings in the South Coast, but they often go unnoticed due to a lack of advertising or just not knowing where to look.  The New Bedford Guide’s Event Calendar is a great way to stay in the loop about fun upcoming events and to plan a date night that ventures away from the monotony of the “same old thing”.

Next time you are stumped for a date idea, check out the calendar.  You and your date could go to a Yoga or exercise class together, or hit up a farmers market and cook a fresh and local dinner at home.  You could go to a free informational documentary viewing, or take in the sights with a New Bedford harbor tour.  Whether you’re into the bar scene, running in road races or anything in between, there’s a lot to be found on the calendar.

Of course, it nearly goes without saying that AHA! night in downtown New Bedford is perfect for finding unique events for your date night.  There are always lots of art showings, musical performances and other activities and demonstrations that will make you glad you got out of the house for the night.  For more information on the next upcoming AHA! night, go to http://www.ahanewbedford.org/.  For more about why you should factor AHA! into your social calendar, check out this article (http://www.newbedfordguide.com/5-reasons-aha-is-great/2012/05/10)

6. Check Out Some Local Music

Whether you like to dance or just prefer sitting back and taking in some relaxing tunes, Greater New Bedford has a variety of music offerings.  If you’re looking to bring your date out to check out some tunes, 5 Live Music Spots in Greater New Bedford (http://www.newbedfordguide.com/5-live-music-spots-in-greater-new-bedford/2012/07/20) can help you find a promising location.  Of course, the New Bedford Guide Event Calendar also often posts about upcoming musical performances.

If you’re willing to spend a little more money to catch some music, the Zeiterion Theatre is always featuring varied performances.  Located in downtown NB, the Zeiterion Theatre is a beautiful place with great acoustics.  In the upcoming year the Z will house acts that range from big names like Art Garfunkel and Lyle Lovett to national cover bands and even theatre productions and classical music performances.  Check out their site to find tickets to an event that will dazzle your date!  (http://www.zeiterion.org/)

7. Indulge in some Microbrews or Local Wine

New Bedford may not be on the same level as Portland, ME or Burlington, VT when it comes to microbreweries and brew houses, but it isn’t without variety when it comes to delicious brews.  If you and your date are beer lovers, a fun night can be had testing out some unusual brews.  Two microbrewery locations that frequently change up their beer options are the Pour Farm Tavern and Rose Alley Ale House.

On the Pour Farm Tavern’s website they claim “We Always Choose Creative Brews” and this is very true.  PFT features dozens of drafts beers that are often difficult to find anywhere else.  Additionally, they have numerous bottled and canned selections, and a decent list of 22 oz bottles that are great to share.  Nearly every Thursday PFT hosts taste testing at 8 PM.

Rose Alley Ale House also prides itself on having an incredible beer selection, which features “40 constantly rotating taps with some of the finest beers from around the world”.  The basement portion of Rose Alley is only open at certain times, but focuses mostly on “local micro brews and Belgian beers as well as a few of the all time favorites.”  Conversation over an international brew and a tasty appetizer at Rose Alley Ale House is certainly a great way for beer lovers to spend some time together.

If you are more into wine tastings, Westport Rivers Vineyard Winery (www.westportrivers.com) is a local place with beautiful views and frequent tastings and weekend tours.  In addition to its wine offerings, the grounds of Westport Rivers are breathtaking, and it’s not a bad idea to buy a bottle after the tasting and find a spot to sit and enjoy.

Travessia is also part of the “coastal wine trail” and is an urban winery located right in downtown NB.  They are open Thursday- Saturday from noon to 6:00 PM and Sunday from noon to 5:00 PM.  You can test out their delicious wines and buy some bottles to add to your home collection or enjoy with dinner when you get home.  For more information, go to http://www.travessiawine.com/.

8. Share a Romantic Dinner

Some say that romance is dead, but it can be found if you know where to look!  Greater NB is host to some wonderful restaurants where you can wine and dine your date in a cozy intimate setting, or even with beautiful ocean views.  Check out New Bedford Guide’s “5 Greater New Bedford Romantic Restaurants” (http://www.newbedfordguide.com/new-bedford-romantic-restaurants/2012/08/14) to find the ideal location for your next big date.

9. Go Rock Climbing

Carabiner’s indoor rock climbing facility in New Bedford is a great way to have some fun while exercising.  It is sure to be a day neither of you will soon forget as you challenge yourself to scale the massive walls.  Even if you have never been rock climbing before, Carabiner’s is designed to be accessible and unintimidating, offering a personal belayer at the rate of $50 for 2 climbers.  Of course, you can also “learn the ropes” for yourself by taking the belay course which is $35 per person and includes an hour of training, a day pass and all rental equipment.  Learning to belay on your own is well worth it if you plan on making this thrilling date a regular activity.  For more information on rates and options go to http://www.carabiners.com/.

10. Check Out a Museum

You don’t have to drive to Boston or Providence to check out a museum.  While the museums may not be as large in scale, they can provide a fun and cultured afternoon.  New Bedford has three museum-type places that I would recommend checking out.

The first is the New Bedford Whaling Museum (http://www.whalingmuseum.org/) which has become a major part of the city and has a long history in and of itself.  The concept of a whaling museum in New Bedford was first set out in 1903, and since that time the collection of artifacts, exhibits and information has grown greatly.  If you have never been to the museum but live in the area, it really is a worthwhile endeavor as the whaling history of this region is rich and imperative to how the city developed.  The museum isn’t dry and boring either, it has plenty of intriguing artifacts to check out.

The New Bedford Art Museum (http://newbedfordartmuseum.org/) is relatively young as far as art goes, having gotten its start in 1996.  However, it changes its exhibits frequently to reflect both local and global collections.  One of my favorite exhibits I saw there featured old photos of New Bedford.  It was interesting to see how the city has changed in some ways but is very familiar in others.  The museum is not huge, but its thoughtful exhibits make it a good time if either you or your date happen to be an art lover.

Located in the historic New Bedford Institute for Savings building, the Ocean Explorium is much like an aquarium, featuring exhibits that focus on marine life and the ocean.  While the Ocean Explorium is a great pull for children, it has intriguing exhibitions and presentations that are sure be educational and interesting to any age group.  For example, there is a ray and shark touch tank where you can actually feel the aquatic creatures.  There are also presentations done for general audiences (not just kids!) that feature the very cool Science on the Sphere, which is a spherical projection system that creates an image of the planet in 3-D.  Of course, the Ocean Explorium can also make for a great family outing if you’re looking to plan to get out with the kids as well!

Southcoast Visiting Nurse Association, known in the community as Southcoast VNA, will host “Hope Takes Flight: A Butterfly Release” on September 15 to benefit the agency’s Hospice program.

Hope Takes Flight will take place on Saturday, September 15, from 1 to 4 p.m., with the butterfly release occurring at 1:30 p.m. The event will be held at the Fairhaven Senior Center, 229 Huttleston Avenue in Fairhaven, and will take place rain or shine.

This inaugural event is being offered to the community as a way to honor and remember loved ones and friends and will support Southcoast VNA’s Hospice program. Activities for families and children will include musical performances, inspirational readings and a live butterfly release. Light refreshments will be served.

Butterflies to honor a loved one can be purchased for a $25 minimum donation. Butterflies purchased before August 24 will include a listing of a loved one’s name in the event program book. Contact Southcoast VNA Community Affairs at 508-973-3472 or by email at scvnacommunityaffairs@southcoast.org to order your butterfly today. Butterflies will also be available to order at the following Farmers’ Markets:

Tuesday, August 7, from 3 to 7 p.m.
Old Rochester Regional High School
135 Marion Road, Mattapoisett

Thursday, August 9, from 2 to 6 p.m.
South Coast Business Center
200 Mill Road, Fairhaven

Tuesday, August 14, from 3 to 7 p.m.
Old Rochester Regional High School
135 Marion Road, Mattapoisett

Thursday, August 16, from 2 to 6 p.m.
St. Luke’s Hospital (Taber Street)
101 Page Street, New Bedford

Friday, August 17, from 1 to 6 p.m.
Rex Field
351 Elm Street, Dartmouth

Sunday, August 19, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Fairhaven High School
12 Huttleston Avenue (Route 6), Fairhaven

Presenting sponsor is Mallard & POPS Printing. Monarch Sponsors are BayCoast Bank, McKesson and PSS World Medical Inc. For more information about the event contact Southcoast VNA Community Affairs at 508-973-3472 or by email at scvnacommunityaffairs@southcoast.org.

Becoming a parent is and always will be a mixture of excitement, anticipation, hard work, and yes, a bit of nervousness.  In modern times, some of the needs of new parents can be met through online resources such as parenting blogs and shopping from home. However, if you just had a new addition to your family or have one on the way, you probably have already discovered that the sheer number of sites out there can be overwhelming. For the modern parent looking for a little help, local woman and mother Denell Pepin has an innovative new blog site called MoPa.

MoPa (short for Modern Parent) is a trendy blog that is just getting its start but already has a lot to offer when it comes to highlighting everything from baby gadgets to back to school fashion. The website and social media components of MoPa are dedicated to today’s modern parent lifestyle and celebrating parenthood as well as highlighting the individuality of mothers everywhere.  In addition to frequent posts highlighting cool new products, MoPaShow.com also posts a monthly “Modern Mom Series” which shares interviews and photos of unique moms who have blended their lifestyle and motherhood into a successful package.

I sat down with MoPa creator Denell Pepin the other day to find out more about her blog and about the idea of a “modern parent.”  I do not have any children myself, but having friends and family who have recently had babies I have learned that it can be both exciting and overwhelming.  Denell explained to me that too often new mothers find that their own sense of individuality comes under strain within the first few demanding years of raising a child. This is a concept that Denell is no stranger to, having been both a trend forecaster in NYC for Cotton Incorporated and now living the role of mother to two boys.  Thus, Denell created MoPa as a landing page for moms to both shop at and get daily inspiration from.

Denell was very excited to talk with me about MoPa’s first upcoming event on September 23rd.  This event is intended to take the idea of MoPa offline and into real time by providing a night out where attendees can interact with both local and national sellers while enjoying mocktails, light refreshments, music and workshops. According to Denell, participants should expect the event to be much like a beautiful baby shower that combines shopping and educational opportunities together to create a “chic and contemporary modern day expo” where new and expecting parents can mingle and chat with others from the area.

There will be five program rich workshops at the September 23rd Modern Parent event including how to best approach a baby registry and some health inspirations from the ladies at Boutique Fitness. The MoPa event will be attended by national brand representatives such as Bumble Ride, and there will also be local participants such as the New Bedford-based, internationally acclaimed jewelry artist Isabelle Grace.  Since MoPa is all about the lifestyle of the modern parent, all sales aren’t just directed towards baby gear; there will also be exhibitors for beauty products, parenting services, and much more.  Additionally, some lucky mothers will be eligible to win incredible giveaways for attending.

For new and expecting parents, this is really a great opportunity, and Denell expressed her hope that in the future this will be “an event that women look forward to every year.”  She explained to me that MoPa online and offline is geared towards giving women a chance to relish the experience of motherhood and enjoy the lifestyle of being a modern mom; “We’re all about discovering trends in baby gear & gadgets, accessories, furniture, clothing, skin care, parenting services, and more.”  It is her intention that this first MoPa event will be a night of celebrating parenthood for all in attendance.  Additionally, Denell seemed thrilled to be bringing so many quality vendors to Greater New Bedford and hopes that this event will open the door for MoPa to be involved with many other community events in the future.

The Modern Parent event will take place at the Hawthorne Country Club in North Dartmouth.  Festivities begin at 3 PM on Sunday September 23rd and end at 7 PM.  For tickets, go to www.mopashow.com.  Tickets are $15 for one person, or $20 for two people. All participants will receive a Swag Bag and the first 50 people to sign up will receive a VIP Swag Bag with great products.  For current and soon-to-be parents, this is a do not miss evening!

Summertime is the best time to enjoy free entertainment in your local national park! Fleur de Lis will be performing French Canadian music in the garden area of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park in downtown New Bedford on Thursday evening, August 23 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM as part of its Thursday evening summer concert series. Then, on Saturday, August 25 from 12 noon-2 PM, Ron Tor Bendiksen will be demonstrating the art of net-making in the garden, while Ruth and Abby, the national park’s 1850s ladies, offer a fun hands-on activity for children. The Saturday afternoon activities are part of the park’s Maritime Heritage series. The concerts and maritime crafts are offered free each week at the park during July and August.

In addition to the Thursday evening concert, there will be a video on life in Canada (5:30 – 6:30), artifacts of French Canadian life, as well as posters, and books pertaining to French Canadian culture.

Artists who are inspired by Buzzards Bay are encouraged to submit works for consideration for the exhibition titled, Interpretations: Artistic Celebrations of Buzzards Bay. The exhibit is the result of a collaboration between the Falmouth Artists Guild and the Buzzards Bay Coalition and will be displayed in both Falmouth and New Bedford.

The Buzzards Bay region has long served as inspiration for artists who interpret the Bay and its watershed, from headwaters to harbors, as a place for work, for play and reflection, and to understand the interaction between nature and man. This exhibit will celebrate works that capture the beauty, diversity, and character of the Bay and its watershed.

The call for entries is now open and artists may deliver works of all media for consideration to the Falmouth Art Center (137 Gifford Street) on Monday, August 20^th, from 9:30-4:00. Jurying will take place on the 21^st and the exhibit will open in Falmouth on August 23^rd.

Eligible art pieces must be recent work that has not been previously exhibited at the Falmouth Art Center. While artists may submit multiple pieces for consideration, only one piece per artist will be accepted. Accepted works are at the discretion of the jury panel and all accepted works will be posted on the Falmouth Art Center website upon the completion of the jurying process at www.falmouthart.org.

Additional requirements and downloadable prospectus can be found at www.falmouthart.org or by contacting the Falmouth Artists Guild at 508.540.3304 or info@falmouthart.org.

Without a doubt, New Bedford has come to host some awesome annual festivals.  Whether it’s the thousands of people cramming into Madeira Field for the Feast, dozens of bands taking the stage all weekend at Summerfest or locals providing demonstrations of the fishing industry at the Working Waterfront Festival; New Bedford can pride itself on being rich with varied cultural experiences.

However, even as we watch the final weekends of summer dwindle away, there is still much to look forward to for the fall.  One fall festivity that has become incredibly successful and is a must-attend community event of the year is the annual New Bedford Seaport Chowder Festival.  Taking place on Sunday October 7th, the Chowder Festival tends to pack Custom House Square in downtown New Bedford and provides participants with tantalizing tastes from 25 regional restaurants.

If the idea of taste testing dozens of seafood chowder, kale soup, quahog and clam chowder samples sounds like something you’d enjoy, here’s the 101 on the New Bedford Seaport Chowder Festival:

1. When, Where and Costs

As always, the Chowder Festival takes place under a large tent covering Custom House Square in downtown New Bedford.  The tent allows for the event to resume come rain or shine.  This year the Festival will be on Sunday October 7th, which is the day before Columbus Day.  The combination of a three day weekend and cool early fall time weather should allow for people to be able to enjoy themselves all day long.

The festival starts at noon and ends at 5 PM.  Tickets for this event tend to sell fast, and the tent is often very crowded so buying tickets in advance or getting there early is recommended.  Tickets bought in advance are $15 and can be purchased at the Downtown New Bedford Office which is located at 105 William Street on the second floor.  Also, tickets can be bought on their website;  www.downtownnb.org or at other participating locations which will be announced soon. Tickets bought at the door are $18 and children ages 6-12 are only $5.  Children 5 and under are free.

2. Chowder Show Down

For those of you who have never been, the Chowder Festival is a competition between the twenty-five participating restaurants.  Over the past six years, local eateries have faced off to win 1st, 2nd or 3rd place in either the People’s Choice Award or the Judge’s Choice Award in five categories.  The categories are; best clam chowder, seafood chowder, kale soup, stuffed quahog and table presentation.

As with any similar food festival, participants are given a voting card to fill out once they have sampled to their heart’s delight.  The votes are submitted (usually at the center of the tent) and tallied later to determine the winner. The Judge’s Choice award is determined by a blind taste test, which eliminates the issue of favoritism.

Since 2006 the New Bedford Seaport Chowder Festival has amassed an impressive Hall of Fame of past winners.  Last year’s coveted Best Clam Chowder People’s Choice Award went to Bittersweet Farm.  Freestone’s pulled off Best Seafood Chowder according to the people, River’s End Cafe was elected Best Stuffed Quahog, and Best Table Display went to Marlees Seafood.  Interestingly enough, the People’s Choice Award for Best Kale Soup went to none other than St. Luke’s Hospital, which also placed second in two other categories… now that’s some good hospital food!

For a full list of Hall of Famers in for both People’s Choice and Judge’s Award since 2006, click here.

3. Food & Drink

As previously mentioned there are 25 booths that will be participating in this year’s New Bedford Seaport Chowder Festival.  The booths are set up in a circle around the perimeter of the tent so that traffic can flow from one station to the next.  So far, announced participants include; Braza Rotisserie, Cedars Assisted Living, Cotali Mar Restaurant,  Emeritus at Dartmouth Village; Freestone’s City Grill,  Inner Bay Cafe & Grille,  Lafrance Hospitality,  M & C Cafe,  Madeira Cafe, Me & Ed’s,  Mike’s Restaurant, The Pasta House,  River’s End Cafe, The Sail Loft; Southcoast Hospitals Group, Seaport Inn & Marina; St. Michael’s Restaurant, Vivvy’s  and Whaling City Diner. Some of these eateries are new to the festival, while others have been competing every year from the very start.

For those who aren’t big on seafood, Cafe Arpeggio will be selling coffee, homemade ice cream and sandwiches.  There will also be drink vending available outside of the tent which features local beers and wines as well as soda and mixed drinks.  All food and drink items besides the samples are not included in the ticket price.

4. Entertainment

The Chowder Festival can get very crowded, but it is also dedicated to family fun for those with young children. The YMCA Lobster Races are always a big draw for children, and there will also be craft activities organized by the New Bedford Ocean Explorium and Global Charter School.

This year’s musical entertainment will be provided by a very talented Eagles tribute band called Another Tequila Sunrise.  Another Tequila Sunrise is considered to be one of the premiere Eagles cover bands in the nation and have been touring the country for over ten years.  In addition to this band bringing an exciting musical experience, Another Tequila Sunrise also features Keith Brindle who is a New Bedford native.

Photos from the 2011 New Bedford Chowder Festival – Provided by Sally Spooner

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Ten new digital cameras were donated this past week to ArtWorks! by the Photographic Historical Society of New England, in support of the Kids with Cameras side of the ‘Postcards From New Bedford: a Photostory Project’. Project organizers have extended the registration deadline to Friday, August 17^th and encourage city youth ages 8-18 to participate. The donated cameras are available for city youth to use, but the project is open to all Southcoast youth interested in New Bedfordas a photography subject.

The Photographic Historical Society of New England is an organization of people interested in the collection and history of photographic equipment, processes and images. Its goal is to promote a wider understanding and appreciation of the full legacy of photography and its relevance today.

“On behalf of ArtWorks! I want to thank the Photographic Historical Society of New England for their generous donation to support the project and invest in the artistic and educational growth of New Bedford’s youth,” said Deb Smook, Education and Outreach Director at ArtWorks!  “We look forward to the glimpses and the inaudible stories brought to life through the photographs. The Kids with Cameras event and exhibit is a tremendous opportunity for youth to see their city with fresh eyes. Composing objects through a viewfinder might be the easiest part of this project!” added Smook.

This photography project has sparked the interest of eight-year-old Charlotte Jope, and her mother Jennifer Chyten Jope, a professional photographer.  Charlotte is excited to pick up the camera for the first time to participate in this project. Charlotte’s mom stated, “I have thoroughly enjoyed viewing the world through her photographs and seeing the things that she finds compelling. We are both looking forward to experiencing the different stories and striking images that are captured by others participating in the postcards project.”  The Jopes, transplants from Boston to the Southcoast, are delighted to embrace the city ofNew Bedford and its thriving art community.

All Southcoast area youth, 8-18 years-of-age, who are interested in participating should contact Alicia Moretti at ArtWorks! no later than Friday, August 17 by phone at 508-984-1588, email at aliciam@artworksforyou.org, or in person by appointment at ArtWorks! located at 384 Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford, MA 02740. Additional camera donations wanted in order to allow a greater number of youth to participate.

The Postcards From New Bedford: a Photostory Project is the brainchild of Beatriz Oliveira who has partnered with fellow photographer John Hodgson and the ArtWorks! organization to bring this project concept to life.  Oliveira is a local Marketing/Events Planning professional and Hodgson is a retired CPA and former partner at Hodgson Pratt, Pratt & Saunders; both share a passion for photography and a love for the city of New Bedford. ArtWorks! is a non-profit community arts center that develops and supports community through educational partnerships, classes, exhibitions, and outreach programming.

This photography project exhibition is planned for the month of October in the ArtWorks! gallery. The opening is scheduled for Friday, October 5, 2012 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. A special opening for the Kids with Cameras side of the project is scheduled for Thursday, October 11, AHA! night, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The Working Waterfront Festival is pleased to announce the release of Something Fishy, a live recording of poetry and stories from the Festival. Over the past 8 years every Festival performance has been recorded. This CD compilation represents some of the best stories and poems and features festival favorites: Dave Densmore, Moe Bowstern, Jon Campbell, Charlotte Enoksen, Bob Quinn, Geno Leech and others. Please join us Thursday, August 9th at 7:30 PM at the Seamen’s Bethel to celebrate the release of this unique recording. Jon Campbell, Charlotte Enoksen, Colin Williams, and Dawn Clifton-Tripp will read their work. Signed copies of the CD will be sold at the event with proceeds benefiting the Festival.

This year, taking a page from the Astoria Fisher Poets Gathering, poets, prose writers, and songwriters are invited to craft an original, new piece incorporating the following phrase: “Fishing, it’s in the blood”. Participants will share their piece at the Working Waterfront Festival’s Fisherpoetry Finale on Sunday, September 30th at 4:00 p.m. on the Steamship Stage. The audience will choose the winner who will take home a Festival t-shirt and copy of the Something Fishy CD.

The Working Waterfront Festival is a project of the Community Economic Development Center of Southeastern MA, a non-profit organization. The FREE festival, a family friendly, educational celebration of New England’s commercial fishing industry, features live maritime and ethnic music, fishermen’s contests, fresh seafood, vessel tours, author readings, cooking demonstrations, kid’s activities and more. It all takes place in New Bedford, MA, America’s #1 fishing port, on the last full weekend of September. Navigate to us at www.workingwaterfrontfestival.org.

Summertime is the best time to enjoy free entertainment in your local national park! The Johnson Girls will be performing maritime music in the garden area of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park in downtown New Bedford on Thursday evening, August 9 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM as part of its Thursday evening summer concert series. Then, on Saturday, August 11 from 12 noon-2 PM, Liz LeValley will be demonstrating the art of scrimshaw in the garden, while Ruth and Abby, the 1850s ladies, offer hands-on crafts for children. The Saturday afternoon activities are part of the park’s Maritime Heritage series. The concerts and maritime crafts are offered free each week at the park during July and August.

Welcome aboard as New Bedford, America’s largest commercial fishing port, hosts the 9th Working Waterfront Festival. The FREE event takes place September 29th and 30th on the working piers and waterfront parks of the historic Port of New Bedford. Free parking is available at the Elm Street Garage with a free shuttle to the Festival.

FESTIVAL OVERVIEW
More than simply a celebration, the Working Waterfront Festival is a unique opportunity for the public to get a firsthand look at the culture of fishing and for the commercial fishing community to tell its own story. The event presents all that goes into bringing seafood from the ocean to the table in a way that is hands-on, educational and fun. We encourage you to listen and watch, but also to taste, touch and converse.

2012 THEME
The 2012 Festival theme Fishtales: Fact, Fiction and Narrative Tradition in Commercial Fishing Culture will explore enduring myths, local legends, and fact and fiction in contemporary fisheries issues.

NEW THIS YEAR

• Man Overboard Demo: Watch a dockside demonstration of how fishermen on deck must act quickly to rescue a crew member who has fallen overboard.
• Wire Splicing Demo: Watch experts as they join wire to create cables that are used for everything from towing nets to hauling traps.
• New Format – This year in addition to showcase sets featuring individual performers, look for workshops in which multiple performers share the stage with fishermen and others from the industry, combining music, poetry, and real life storytelling around a particular theme.
• Healthy Eating – This year’s Seafood Throwdown will challenge chefs to prepare kid friendly seafood using local produce and a surprise seafood ingredient.
• Fishtales Story Station – Have a good fish story? We’ll be collecting real life stories from fishermen and others in the industry at the Fishtales Tent on Steamship Pier as part of our Community Documentation Project.

PERFORMERS
The Festival brings together a unique array of music and poetry. Performances include traditional sea chanteys and music reflecting the fishing industry’s ethnic diversity as well as poetry, storytelling, and music about commercial fishing and the sea often performed by musicians who work in the industry. In keeping with this year’s theme, many of the 2012 performers are master storytellers whether presenting their tales through poetry, prose or song.

The legendary Gordon Bok makes a rare Festival appearance this year. For over 30 years, Gordon has written, sung, and helped to preserve the heritage of the working watermen of the Northeast. His legacy includes over thirty recordings featuring his own compositions and traditional and contemporary folk songs from around the world. The Johnson Girls, an energetic, all-woman, a cappella group, bring their extensive repertoire of sea chanteys and work songs from ports around the world. Storyteller Jackson Gillman draws upon his fishy repertoire from the sandy beach and the briny deep. Bob Quinn, a lobsterman and mail boat driver from Eagle Island, Maine, performs recitations created by his uncle, Carl “Bonney” Quinn, in the 1930s. Mary Garvey, one of the Northwest’s most acclaimed and prolific songwriters shares original songs about the fishers of the Northwest. The Rhode Island based Sharks Come Cruisin’ return with their unique sound which has been described as sea chantey punk. Local legend Ana Vinagre performs Portuguese fado, a tradition which grew up in the port city of Lisbon and speaks to the Portuguese involvement in commercial fishing in the old country and the new world.

Several performers who write from personal experience working in the industry are also on tap for the weekend including festival regular Jon Campbell who leads Something Fishy, a song/poetry swap of material created and performed by fishermen. Also included in this group are several fisherpoets Dave Densmore and Rob Seitz, working west coast fishermen and staples at the annual Fisher Poets Gathering in Astoria, Oregon and Charlotte Enoksen who grew up in a New Bedford fishing family and writes poetry from the home front. Festival favorites, Souls of the Sea, a Gloucester-based folk-rock trio performs on Saturday. The New Bedford Harbor Sea Chantey Chorus performs on Sunday.

FESTIVAL FOOD
The United Fishermen’s Club will be serving fish and chips, fried scallops, and clam cakes. The Newburyport Crab Company offers crab cakes, lobster rolls with drawn butter, and lobster mac n’ cheese. R. Shucks Raw Bar will have oysters and clams on the half shell. Destination Soups will be serving chowder, hot and cold soup and grilled cheese and tuna sandwiches. Other food vendors include: Café Arpeggio serving its’ own Home Made Ice Cream, Celtic Coffee House with coffee and pastries; Ray’s Kettle Corn and Del’s Lemonade.

COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS
The Foodways Area (Pier 3) features cooking demonstrations by galley cooks, ethnic cooks and celebrity chefs. Visitors are invited to learn the basics of preparing fresh seafood at home as well as ethnic approaches to seafood cooking and galley fare. Recipe cards will be available and the raw ingredients for most recipes will be available for sale at the Festival Farmers’ Market. This year’s Festival features a Seafood Throwdown on Sunday. Two chefs will compete to create a seafood dish using a surprise local seafood ingredient (not revealed to them until they arrive) and fresh, local produce. Chefs can bring three of their favorite ingredients and once they discover the secret seafood, they get $25 and 15 minutes to shop the Festival Farmers’ Market for ingredients. After their shopping spree, they have one hour to cook and present their entry for the judge’s consideration. This year’s contest will challenge chefs to make “kid friendly” seafood good enough to win over a panel of young judges. The contest will conclude with an opportunity for the audience to sample the dishes. The Seafood Throwdown is a collaboration between the Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance and the Working Waterfront Festival.

FARMERS’ MARKET
Sponsored by Edible Southshore, the Farmers’ Market (State Pier) features produce and specialty items from a number of local farms as well as informational booths. In addition fresh, local fish, scallops and lobsters will be available for sale.

FILMS
The Dock-U-Mentary Film Area (Pier 3) screens historic and contemporary footage taken at sea and on shore, chronicling the history and experiences of the working waterfront and the commercial fishing industry. Several short documentary films will also be shown.

AUTHORS
A number of well-known authors will read from and sign their books on commercial fishing, fishermen, seafood, and boats. Books will be available for purchase at our Festival Store located on Pier 3. Participating authors include: Abigail Calkin (The Night Orion Fell), Cindy Follet–Guildemond (Salt of the Sea), Ingrid Grenon (Downeast Schooners and Shipmasters), Brian Robbins (Bearin’s), Dawn Clifton-Tripp (Moontide, The Season of Open Water, and Game of Secrets), and Mike Urban (Lobster Shacks). We are also pleased to present two children’s authors who will present their salty tales aboard the Schooner Ernestina with scheduled story times on both days of the event: Daisy Nell (The Stowaway Mouse and Rocky at the Dockside), and Meghan Lapp (Fast Friends and Hello Stranger).

CONTESTS & DEMONSTRATIONS OF INDUSTRY SKILLS
Contests offer a unique opportunity to watch those who work in the commercial fishing industry show off the skills of their trade. All contests will take place on the Contest Stage (Steamship Pier). This stage will also be the site for presentations featuring the latest in safety related gear and demonstrating the “tools of the trade” associated with various types of inshore fishing and lobstering. This year’s contests include: Scallop Shucking, Fish Filleting, Net Mending, Link Squeezing, Splicing and Survival Suit Races. In addition, visitors can watch whaleboat races and a tugboat muster from the On Water Activities Viewing Area at the head of State Pier. Learn first hand about historic and contemporary skills of the industry by visiting the industry skills demonstration booths (Steamship Pier) including: net making, knot tying, rigging, scallop dredge making, inshore fishing and more.

BIG BOATS * LITTLE BOATS
Model boat makers will display a variety of workboats in miniature while youth from the local non-profit Greenfleet will demonstrate wooden boat building skills.

TOURS

Vessel Tours
Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about the different types of fishing vessels first-hand by getting on board one or more of the vessels offering dockside tours and talking with the crew. Vessels offering dockside tours include: a wooden Eastern rig vessel, a deep sea clammer, a modern day scalloper, a Stonington dragger and a tug boat. In addition, a Coast Guard boat will be available for tours as well as Schooner Ernestina, a 108’ traditional schooner, the official vessel of the Commonwealth.

Harbor Tours
Whaling City Expeditions offers 55-minute harbor tours departing hourly on both Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Walking Tours
Trail maps for a Self-Guided Dock Walk are available at the Waterfront Visitor Center.

ON THE WATER ACTIVITIES

• Whaleboat Races – The Buzzards Bay Rowing Club presents whaleboat races from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 29th. Come cheer on your favorite team. Best viewing: head of State Pier.
• Whaleboat Rides – Try your hand at rowing a replica whaleboat. Buzzards Bay rowers will be on hand to provide instruction at Coast Guard Park on Saturday from 2-5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
• Tugboat Muster – Watch tugboats at work as they compete for bragging rights in hawser tossing and pushing contests on Saturday from 3:30-5 p.m. Best viewing: head of State Pier.
• Mini Tugs – Several mini-tugs will present a parade of sail and some on the water antics as a lead up to the Muster on Saturday at 3:00 p.m.

BLESSING OF THE FLEET
On Sunday, September 30th the 43rd Annual Blessing of the Fleet will take place on State Pier beginning at 1:00 p.m. A time-honored tradition, the Blessing gives the fishing community an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the successes of the past year and to ask that the Lord’s good blessing continue in the coming year to keep each vessel and its crew safe during each voyage.

KID’S ACTIVITIES
Be sure to visit the Kid’s Activity Tent located on Steamship Pier for a boatload of make and take art activities Saturday and Sunday from 11 to 5 including fish prints, shell decorating, paper boat making and more. This area is staffed courtesy of the Art Education Program of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

EXHIBITS
A number of industry related non profit organizations and businesses have booths at this year’s festival Don’t miss the Maritime Artisans Marketplace featuring unique handcrafted work by sixteen regional artists.

Be sure to visit A Working Waterfront, a permanent exhibit on display in the Waterfront Visitor Center on Pier 3. For forty years, the Wharfinger building was the site of the city’s seafood auction. Today, in addition to welcoming visitors, the building houses a mini-museum commemorating the seafood auction and the City’s role in the history of the commercial fishing industry. The exhibit was created through a joint effort of the City of New Bedford, the National Park Service and the fishing industry.

SPONSORS
The Working Waterfront Festival is supported by a diverse coalition of individuals, businesses and educational and cultural organizations. Producing Partners of the 2012 Festival are National Endowment for the Arts, Island Foundation and Whaling City Seafood Display Auction. Major support is also provided by The City of New Bedford, New Bedford Harbor Development Commission, SouthCoast Media Group, United States Coast Guard, New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, National Council for the Traditional Arts and Massachusetts Cultural Council. The Festival is a project of the Community Economic Development Center of Southeastern Massachusetts.

The Working Waterfront Festival is a project of the Community Economic Development Center of Southeastern MA, a non-profit organization. The FREE festival, a family friendly, educational celebration of New England’s commercial fishing industry, features live maritime and ethnic music, fishermen’s contests, fresh seafood, vessel tours, author readings, cooking demonstrations, kid’s activities and more. It all takes place in New Bedford, MA, America’s #1 fishing port, on the last full weekend of September. Navigate to us at www.workingwaterfrontfestival.org.

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Scallop shucking contest.

Net mending contest.

Great learning experience for the kids!

The Working Waterfront Festival New Bedford.

Live entertainment.

Live entertainment.

The Ethnic Arts Area showcases traditional crafts.

The Ethnic Arts Area showcases traditional crafts.

The Ethnic Arts Area showcases traditional crafts.

The Working Waterfront Festival New Bedford.

The Working Waterfront Festival was featured on Traveler Magazine.

Net mending contest.