Herman Melville Family Day celebrates the 193rd birthday of the famed author of “Moby-Dick” at the New Bedford Whaling Museum on Saturday, July 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with free children’s activities indoors and out, including a whale of a birthday cake.

The annual celebration features special guests, art, music, poetry, and story reading for children 12 years and younger and takes place in the Jacobs Family Gallery and museum plaza. Regular admission applies to museum galleries.

Children’s arts and crafts activities scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. include creating soap scrimshaw, sailors’ valentines, whale hats, bookmarks and magnets.

Kids can also make their own floatable toy model of Captain Ahab’s ship, Pequod. Wading pools on the plaza will allow young shipwrights to test their vessel’s seaworthiness before they take them home.

At 2:00 p.m. kids of all ages are invited to join in a “Happy Birthday” sing-along and enjoy a slice of birthday cake.

Special activities include: 10 am to 11am, Moby-Dick tour; 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, Harpoon throwing contest; 11 am to 1 pm, Kids’ poetry workshop; 11:30 am, Special reading of Moby-Dick (popup version); 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, Go below deck on the Lagoda; 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, Learn sea chanteys while weighing anchor; 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, Blubber tossing; 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm, Take your photo next to a sperm whale; 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm, Go on a whaling voyage aboard the Lagoda with Captain C. Weade; 1:30 pm, Happy Birthday sing-along and birthday cake.

Regular admission rates apply to programming in the museum galleries, including the Moby-Dick tour, Lagoda Below Deck tour, Weighing Anchor, and Captain C. Weade.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Drawings to win family memberships will be given throughout the day. The Museum Store will also hold a summer tent sale.

The New Bedford Whaling Museum is the world’s most comprehensive museum devoted to the global story of whales, whaling and the cultural history of the region. The cornerstone of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, the Museum is located at 18 Johnny Cake Hill in the heart of the city’s historic downtown. For events: www.whalingmuseum.org.

The New Bedford Preservation Society will sponsor a trolley tour of many of New Bedford’s historic mill sites on Thursday, July 26 (South End) and Thursday, August 23 (North End). On each tour the trolley will leave from the William Rodman House parking lot, 388 County Street, at 6 p.m. Free parking is available there in the lot.

New Bedford was one of the most important centers of textile production in the world at its peak in the early 1900s. The industry began in the city in 1846 and lasted until the 1980s. The legacy of this long and eventful history continues to affect the city today in profound ways.

Please join the Society to learn more about the buildings, people and events that shaped the development of New Bedford during this important era in the city’s history. The tour will last approximately one hour and will be led by Society member Bruce Barnes. Since seating is limited on the trolley, please call the society office (508-997-6425) for reservations. $5/person; non-handicap accessible. Visit www.nbpreservationsociety.org to learn more about the society and its upcoming events.

The theme for July’s AHA! is “Kids Rule” and the weather will be in the mid-to-high 80s. The full AHA! schedule can be found here. As an AHA! seasoned veteran, here are the 10 AHA! events (5 kids and 5 adult events) that I recommend you attend this AHA!

Let’s start with 5 fun events for the kids.

1. Yoga for Kids

Tim Donohue will be hosting Yoga for kids starting at 6:30 p.m. on the lawn of the amazing Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum on 396 County Street. There will also be lawn games and old fashion lemonade for sale starting at 5 p.m.

2. Lego Engineering for Kids

Bristol Community College is hosting Lego Engineering for Kids on 188 Union Street. Here’s your chance to trick your kids into learning while they have fun learning engineering principles with legos!

3. Open Mic for Kids

Wings Court recently received a make over and the First Unitarian Church “Way Cool Sunday School” will be breaking it in with Open Mic for Kids from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

4. Summer Science Street Fair

The New Bedford Ocean Explorium is hosting a Summer Science Steert Fair from 5-8 p.m. on Purchase Street (between Union and Spring Streets). This is another great way into tricking the kids into learning and having fun!

5. Kids Events at Custom House Square

The center of the AHA! universe during the summer time is the Custom House Square parking lot across from Freestone’s Restaurant. It’s where Summerfest, Taste of Southcoast and tons of other major New Bedford events are hosted. Starting at 5 p.m. there will be plenty of events for the kids to include Soltice Skate Jam, the New Bedford Art Museum ARTmobile (5-7 p.m.), the New Bedford Public Library’s Bookmobile (5-7 p.m.) a Play in the Park Open house presented by New Bedford Parks, Recreation and Beaches, a mobile climbing wall by Carabiner’s Climbing and a blood drive.

Here are 5 fun events for adults.

1. Downtown Farmers Market

The downtown New Bedford Farmers Market runs each Thursday from 2-6 p.m. Pick up some fresh produce and support your local farmers. Check out our list of other New Bedford or southcoast, Massachusetts farmers markets.

2. Open Mic at Cafe Arpeggio

Every Thursday Cafe Arpeggio (800 Purchase Street) hosts the area’s best open mic event. Join dozens of local musicians as they show off their talents from 7-10 p.m. Cafe Arpeggio is also hosting amazingly talented and local musicians Molly O’Leary & Valrie Paynton from 6-7 p.m. Grab a refreshing drink, a Lombahdi Biscotti and enjoy the FREE music.

3. Enjoy Some Poetry!

The Bartleby Scrivener Poets Group is hosting an evening of poetry at The Celtic Coffee House on 42 North Water Street from 6-8 p.m. Join in or simply enjoy a coffee and listen to some local poets.

 4. Ticket “Stick It” 

Did you get a $10 parking ticket in New Bedford recently? Bring it to Rose Alley Ale House (94 Front Street) and get half off your entree. Full details and limitations can be found on Rose Alley’s Facebook page.

5. Learn About Rowing

The New Bedford Community Rowers will be in front of the Downtown YMCA on Union Street to demonstrate rowing. Check out the boats, racing gear and get information on what it takes to row the New Bedford harbor.

Summertime is the best time to enjoy free entertainment in your local national park! Hip-hop artist Tem Blessed will be appearing in the garden area of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park in downtown New Bedford on Thursday evening, July 19, from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. as part of its Thursday evening summer concert series. Then, on Saturday, July 21, from 12 noon- 2 p.m., Charlie York will be demon-strating oar making 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.

Tem Blessed has been making socially conscious music for over ten years now with Busted Fro now including Da Empress, Strela Negra and also as a solo act. He has continued to elevate the underground Hip Hop scene and has released many albums. Blessed has also opened up for nationally known recording artist such as Ludicris, Common, Das Efx, Brand Nubian, Killa Preist, Wordworth, Dead Prez, Slick Rick and KRS-1. For more information on Tem, go to http://temblessed.com/

The Dock-U-Mentaries Film Series continues Friday, July 20th at 7 p.m. with three short seafood industry promotional films: Sardines From Maine Down East Style, Live Lobster: Maine Lobstermen and Pearl of the Atlantic. Dock-U-Mentaries is a co-production of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park and the Working Waterfront Festival. Films about the working waterfront are screened on the third Friday of each month beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the theater of the Corson Maritime Learning Center, located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford. All programs are open to the public and presented free of charge.

These historic gems dating from the 1950s and 60s offer a wonderful glimpse into what for many was the heyday of New England’s seafood industry. Take a trip back in time to the days when scallops were routinely served in school cafeterias, lobstermen fished out of wooden boats and Maine was home to hundreds of sardine canneries. A variety of recipes are presented and Julia Child even makes a cameo appearance.

The new Whaling City Festival returns to Buttonwood Park in 2012 from July 13th – 15th with several new improvements and a focus on family activities. New President Allen Richard has big plans for the annual festival and is beginning to take the festival into a new direction. Here is NewBedfordGuide.com’s 10 things to do and see at the 44th Whaling City Festival.

1. Fanelli Traveling Amusements and Carnival
The ever popular Fanelli Amusements and Carnival is part of the history of the Whaling City Festival. All your favorite rides, games and food concessions will of course be there. This family owned and operated business has one of the best safety records in New England. For food, there will be the crowd favorite Blooming Onion, Italian Sausage and Steak Sandwiches, Chicago Style Pizza, fresh squeezed lemonade, fried dough, cotton candy and more!

In terms of game concessions, the Balloon Water Race, Skee Ball, Ring Toss, Dart Ballons, Duck Pond, Basketball, and many more will be present. This is the year you will finally win that giant stuffed animal! Of course all the classic rides will be there like the Round Up, Cliff Hanger, Pharoah’s Fury, Ferris Wheel, Super Slide, Carousel, and little kids rides. In addition to Fanelli Amusements, Dun-Rite will have a variety of bubble bounce amusements which are a blast for kids and adults alike.

2. Zumba
All three days of the festival will have Zumba. Join the high energy and popular Zumba with Steph as you get your blood flowing, burn calories, and get healthy. Head home, take a shower and come back to the festival rejuvinated. There will be Zumba at 1 p.m. on Friday, Zumba with Steph on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. and Sunday at 12 p.m. Work off those burgers, hot dogs, and blooming onions!

3. Rosie’s Racing Pigs
The kids and adults alike are going to love watching this little guys race and watch Rosie do her tricks! Rosie’s Racing Pigs is a traveling show that was started in 1966 and has been touring New England since 1997. Get a sneak peek:

4. General Lee and the Force III Trans Am.
The world’s most famous Dodge Charger, the General Lee will be present all three days of the festival. The car named after civil war general Robert E. Lee and made famous by the show the Dukes of Hazzard, and driven by Bo and Luke Duke will be available for you to actually touch!

Courtesy of the Rhode Island Comic Con and Southcoast Toy and Comic Show will also be the Force III Trans Am.

5. Wrestling
What is perhaps the biggest draw for the Whaling City Festival, Top Rope Wrestling will have a nail biting show with your favorite local wrestlers and heels. You’ll get swept up in the world class matches and stroylines and be able to throw popcorn at the heels. If your voice isn’t hoarse by the end of the wrestling, you’re doing something wrong! Shows will be at 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with an third show at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

6. Car & Bike Show
There are a lot of gearheads and hot rod fans in the area as evidenced by how many people turn out to browse through the car and bike show. You’ll be able to stand alongside and even sit in cars you have only seen in movies and pictures. Perhaps your dream car will be there! The show will take place all day Sunday until 4 p.m.!

7. Kenpo Karate
You will be wooed and wowed with the high kicks, mystical katas, and exciting techniques displayed by Steve Arsenault’s Ecks Kenpo Karate. Mr. Arsenault has run schools in the area for a long time and is responsible for hundreds, if not thousands of people learning Kenpo Karate. This exciting demonstration will take place on Saturday at 12:00 p.m.

8. Music
The 44th Whaling City Festival has a lot going on in terms of musical acts and a lot of variety to suit all tastes. Want vocalists? They have New Bedford Idol, Nelia doing Portuguese language music, Lorae Tavares, Voices in Time, a children’s vocal troupe. Want popular music? FUN 107 has you covered? Rock & Metal? How about React, Omega Reign, Fat Angus (AC/DC Tribute), or Cheap Shot? Like Blues, Jazz, Funk? Looking for Hip Hop? Well you’ll love the NB Global Charter Hip Hop Club’s set.

The variety is continued with Neal McCarthy Problem, Dancing Dogs, Delta Charlie and the KabuJazz Ensemble with Candida Rose. To round things out Pop/Rock/Boy Band 4171, Soul Unit doing R&B, and alternative acts Tide of Empire and Whiskey Affair. That’s more than 16 separate musical acts! You can sing to your heart’s content. See the Whaling City Festival’s updated schedule for the schedule of the musical acts.

9. Mad Science
Mad Science is a company that takes the “blah” out of science and makes it fun, yet educational! This is an audience participation act, and don’t be surprised if you’re picked! The idea is to get kid’s to rethink Science and stir their imagination and creative juices.

10. Pets Overboard
Here’s a video glimpse of “Pets Overboard” whose cats and dogs are rescued from shelters. Enjoy the act as the animals try to find the lost treasure and includes audience participation!

This is by no means an exhaustive and comprehensive list as there is so much MORE going on at this year’s festival. The best way to find out is head down and see for yourself. If you want to help volunteer, or looking for more info about the festival visit the festival’s Facebook Page, website or e-mail President Allen Richard at ARichard@WhalingCityFestival.net.

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The New Bedford Bay Sox (www.nbbaysox.com) are located right here in our lovely city. The Bay Sox are members of the prestigious New England Collegiate Baseball League (www.necbl.com). The NECBL is supported by Major League Baseball, considered one of the top 3 collegiate summer leagues in the country and features 10 teams from all over New England. Past NECBL players include 2012 MLB All Stars Stephen Strasburg, Joe Nathan, Brian Lahair as well as slugger Andre Ethier.

In the Bay Sox recent five game home stand that began on July 4^th, the team posted a record of 3-2. They advanced their total record to 16-10, held onto second in their division, and are 3.5 games behind the first place Newport Gulls. There was some great pitching and hitting on the Bay Sox part during this span, including two grand slams in two days. The team is having a great year and a great deal of fun.

The players love seeing the kids and families that come out to the games to cheer them on. Children are encouraged to stay after the game as the players always sign autographs.

The team is hosting our third FREE baseball clinic Tuesday, July 10^th, at Paul Walsh field at 2 pm. The clinic will last 90 minutes and focus on key aspects of the game such as pitching, hitting, fielding and more. The clinic is open to all kids age 6-16 and only a waiver needs to be signed when you show up. Also each child will receive a free ticket for Tuesday night’s game!

The Bay Sox focus on making sure all games have a family-oriented atmosphere and are constantly having kid friendly events like Beach Day at the Park, face painters, prize wheels and more. There are also tons of on-field events and opportunities for kids to win free t-shirts, autographed balls, and other Bay Sox items.

As much as the fans come out to see these young men play baseball, the players equally love to play for the fans. The people that come out to support them are what drive and motivate them to play better and succeed.

This Tuesday, July 10^th, is our next home game and it is Canned Food Night at the park. When you bring a canned food item you will receive two tickets for the price of one! All canned food donations will go to Mobile Loaves and Fish. You can always learn about our upcoming promotions and events when you “like” us on Facebook (we want to get to 1,000)!

We would love to see you on the 10^th and at the rest of our home games to help support these boys as they pursue their dreams on the diamond.

Here is the New Bedford Bay Sox July, 2012 Schedule. Red blocks are home games.

Summertime is the best time to enjoy free entertainment in your local national park! YAP!, or Youth Ambassador Program, will be appearing in the garden area of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park in downtown New Bedford on Thursday evening, July 12, from 6:30 to 7:15 PM as part of its Thursday evening summer concert series. Then, on Saturday, July 14, from 12 noon- 2 PM, Ken Bizarro will be demonstrating model boat making 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. Keep up with events around the Greater New Bedford area on the New Bedford Guide event calendar: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/calendar.

YAP! is an after-school and summer program for New Bedford teens who communicate local and national history, and other national park-related themes to their peers through music, video, and social media outreach. They represent the youth voice of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park and have created songs that introduce topics such as whaling and Underground Railroad history, as well as a song encouraging young people to “Get Outside and Move” which landed them a front page feature on Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move website www.letsmove.gov. YAP! is a collaboration between New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park and Third Eye Unlimited, a local non-profit organization that works to engage and empower youth to become leaders in order to transform their communities.

Check out YAP’s “Walk with Me” music video. They give a great tour of New Bedford!

The 4th day of July is one of the most celebrated holidays in America. It’s the day America officially declared its independence from Great Britain, but did you know that July 2nd was the official legal separation of America from Great Britain? It’s the day when the Continental Congress approved the resolution of independence. After a few days of debate, it wasn’t until July 4th that the official Declaration of Independence was approved and signed. One of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and second President of the United States, John Adams thought that July 2nd was more significant that the 4th. Writing to his wife, he stated:

The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.

I’m sure most of you don’t need an excuse to celebrate a holiday to the maximum, but now you have a valid argument and an excuse to celebrate our Independence most of the week. Here are 14 events you should consider attending this week. Check out the New Bedford Guide Event calendar for 100s of more upcoming events.

Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012

4 p.m.

The City Hall will celebrate 100 years with a Centennial Celebration at 4 p.m. Join Mayor Jon Mitchell and hundreds of city workers as they commemorate 100 years of the classical revival building housing the seat of City government. Full details and city hall history here.

6:30 p.m.

Sunset Yoga is held at Fort Taber each Tuesday and is a great way to start off the 4th of July vacation week. Sunset Yoga is an hour-long Vinyasa-style Yoga session starting at 6:30 p.m each Tuesday. Yoga practitioners are asked to bring a towel or mat, and water. There is a fee of $5 per drop-in. Full details with pictures here.

Wednesday, July 4th, 2012

10:15 a.m

The Fort Phoenix Independence Day Ceremony and Cannon Salute kicks off at 10:15 a.m in Fairhaven. There will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence, musical performances and the singing of the National Anthem by the Showstoppers followed by the firing of the fort’s five 24-pound Seacoast Defense cannons.

1 p.m, 6:30 p.m.

The Whaling Museum is hosting a 4th of July Concert in the Museum Plaza. There will be music by the Mac Odom Band featuring The East Side Horns. Celebrate the 4th with the best in Rhythm & Blues and Funk. There will also be FREE family activities and crafts will be available on the Museum’s Plaza from 1:00pm – 6:00pm.

9:05 p.m.

New Bedford’s July 4th fireworks display will start at 9:05 p.m. from a barge located in New Bedford Harbor just off of City Pier #3. The public will have a clear view of the fireworks presentation from almost every point around New Bedford Harbor. Full details here.

Thursday, July 5th, 2012

8 a.m.

The Moving Wall, Vietnam Veterans Memorial will be on display at Cushman Park on Green Street in Fairhaven from 8 – 11 a.m. It will remain on display through July 8th. “The Moving Wall” is the half-size replica of the Washington, D.C. Vietnam Veterans Memorial and has been touring the country for more than twenty years. The idea is to help bring healing to veterans and families and friends of those who died or are missing in Vietnam, especially those who may not have the opportunity to see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C.

10 a.m.

The Henry Huttleston Rogers Tour starts at the Fairhaven Visitors Center on 43 Center Street. The  tour outlines the life of Fairhaven’s benefactor, Standard Oil Company millionaire Henry Huttleston Rogers (1840-1909) and his generosity to his home town. The tour includes visits inside two of the Rogers buildings—the Town Hall and the Millicent Library—as well as exterior viewing of Rogers’ boyhood home, the Unitarian Memorial Church, Our Lady’s Haven, Rogers School and the Masonic Building.

11 a.m.

The New Bedford Whaling Historic Park will launch the NB Line Park Shuttle service at 11 a.m. The official launch will occur at the Visitor’s Center on 31 William Street downtown. The NB Line is a new shuttle service that provides transportation around downtown New Bedford, to Buttonwood Park and Fort Taber. The service costs $1 for unlimted daily travel and is free for children under 12-years old or students with a student ID. Several businesses are providing discounts and free services for anyone with a NB Line wristband. Full details with schedules and discounts here.

Friday, July 6th, 2012

6:30 p.m.

The Greater New Bedford Summer Festival kicks off with a special show on Friday, July 6th at 6:30 p.m. with Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary. Tickets are $15 for the Friday event. Full details with musician list here.

Saturday, July 7th, 2012

8 a.m.

The Buzzards Bay Swim is the Buzzards Bay Coalition’s longest-running fundraising event. Each year swimmers participate in a 1.2 mile open-water swim across outer New Bedford Harbor. The funds they raise to support their swim, along with the public awareness generated from the event, make for a great day for Buzzards Bay. While it’s too late to register, the swim is a great event to see.

9 a.m.

The Clasky Common Farmers Market kicks off for the season at 9 a.m. and remains open until 1 p.m. The market will run every Saturday until October 27th. Check out our New Bedford Farmers Markets article or South Coast Massachusetts Farmers Markets article for other farmers markets in the area.

11 a.m.

The main Greater New Bedford Summer Festival event with 70 renowned and emerging performers and 90 juried arts and crafts vendors in New Bedford’s authentic historic district runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Full details with musician list here.

Sunday, July 8th, 2012

11 a.m.

The main Greater New Bedford Summer Festival event with 70 renowned and emerging performers and 90 juried arts and crafts vendors in New Bedford’s authentic historic district runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Full details with musician list here.

1 p.m.

The Fairhaven Farmers Market offers fresh locally grown produce each Sunday from 1-4 p.m. There is access the parking lot off Main Street to the rear of the Academy Building. Handicap parking available and admission is free. Check out our New Bedford Farmers Markets article or South Coast Massachusetts Farmers Markets article for other farmers markets in the area.

Have a great, safe 4th of July week! Check out our event calendar daily and make sure you are a fan of our New Bedford Guide Facebook page!

On Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at 4:00pm, Mayor Jon Mitchell and hundreds of city workers will join together with city residents, current and former elected officials, and former city employees to commemorate 100 years of the classical revival building housing the seat of City government.

The building, completed in 1856, had housed the Free Public Library, and the current main library building was used as City Hall. The two buildings swapped functions decades later after a devastating fire ravaged the original City Hall. City Hall opened at its new location on July 3, 1912.

The July 3 “City Hall Centennial Celebration” will feature a photo display of City Hall through the decades, courtesy of Spinner Publications; performances of period and contemporary music; cake and refreshments; and, of course, rides on the historic elevator. In honor of both the Centennial and Independence Day, the building will be festooned in traditional red, white, and blue bunting, as it has in years past. The Mayor will also officially unveil new signs for the building as part of the celebration.

“Our City Hall is a special place,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell. “There aren’t a lot of cities in the Commonwealth and around the country where the seat of local government can boast such a rich history and real architectural significance. What we have is worth celebrating.”

The “City Hall Centennial Celebration” marks the mid-point of a busy week of summer fun downtown, with the Cape Verdean Recognition Parade marching down Union St. on Saturday, June 30; the July 4^th concert and fireworks on Wednesday; and Greater New Bedford Summer Fest kicking off Friday, July 6 and wrapping up on Sunday, July 8.

For more information about the City Hall Centennial or any of the week’s events, call the Mayor’s Office at 508-979-1410.

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1906 Fire at the New Bedford City Hall (Spinner Publications).

The New Bedford City Hall Building in 1910 (Spinner Publications).

1906 Fire at the New Bedford City Hall (Spinner Publications).

1906 Fire at the New Bedford City Hall (Spinner Publications).

1906 Fire at the New Bedford City Hall (Spinner Publications).