2007 Working Waterfront Festival: An Authentic Success

New Bedford Economic Development Council
At the 2007 Working Waterfront Festival took place in New Bedford, America’s largest commercial fishing port, this past Saturday and Sunday. This free, family-friendly event opened the waterfront to the public and offered a rare look into commercial fishing, America’s oldest industry.
More than simply a celebration, the Working Waterfront Festival was a unique opportunity for the public get a firsthand look at the culture and traditions of the commercial fishing industry and for the working waterfront community to tell its own story. The event presented all that goes into bringing seafood from the ocean to the table in a way that is hands-on, educational and fun.
The 2007 Festival explored the many roles of Women in the Industry. Women are employed in all aspects of the fishing industry from skippering vessels to manufacturing gear; from running settlement houses to processing fish; from advocating for the industry to working in fisheries science; from owning boats to running shore side businesses. The experiences of women who work in the industry as well as those who are connected to the industry through familial ties was explored through a myriad of programs. In addition, the Festival continued to feature vessel and harbor tours, demonstrations and contests of industry skills, live music, fresh seafood, children’s activities, author readings, panel discussions and cooking demonstrations.
In just four years, the Working Waterfront Festival has quickly become a flagship event. The Festival was one of only three events in Massachusetts to be voted one of the Top 100 Events in North America by the American Bus Association for 2007. In addition, the Festival also received the Spirit of Commerce and Industry Award from the Southeastern Massachusetts Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.
Congratulations to organizers and volunteers who created another spectacular opportunity to showcase this jewel of our city.
September 24, 2007