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Celebration from Whaling City comes to Florida. What is New Bedford Day?

New Bedford Day is a day of the meeting and the memory of Snowbirds or new Bedfordite that have made the constant move to the Sunshine State.

This unique reunion, which has been taking place in Florida for over two decades, is a free event that brings together current and former city dwellers.

Former New Bedford Mayor Brian Lawler developed the Fort Myers event in 2004 to connect snow birds from the area, and quickly became a celebration that was eagerly awaited.

The event has grown every year when the news has spread and more pieces of her house in Massachusett, including food, music and photography, were presented. The event of last year reached over 500 people.

“It is encouraging to see new faces and younger couples,” said the former owner of Shawmut Diner, Phil Palologos, in an earlier article. “It means that something has been created here that only grows and thrives.”

When is New Bedford Day?

This year's New Bedford Day will take place on Tuesday, March 11th, at a brand new location from 12 noon to 5 p.m.

New Bedfordites will come together to celebrate everything new Bedford in the Crazy Dingo Brewery in the southern Fresh Farms, 8500 Penzance BLVD., Fort Myers, Florida.

“The community gives us richer and it is a great gift to get together to have a good time while we remember where we came from and share these stories,” said Paleologos.

What you can expect at the New Bedford Day 2025

If you ask for a foretaste of at home, especially from New Bedford delicacies that you have in stock to spoil yourself.

In a Herculic community effort, the New Bedford Day Committee, together with Gaspar and Ocean Spray Seafood, enabled it to be managed by a whole range of against myers.

Event-goers can get Gaspars Linguica and Chourico, Hoo-Mee Chow my and Silmo syrup into their hands.

After he had learned that Publix had no longer sold Gaspar's products in Florida, it was important for the committee to bring these comfort objects.

“It was enormous cooperation to give people relief that long for a foretaste of at home,” said Ian Abreu, member of the New Bedford Day Committee. “We know that shipping costs can be astronomical, and thanks to these partnerships with seafood and Gaspar we can bring it at a much better price.”

You can not only buy your preferred Portuguese sausage, but Gastpar's also spent enough linguica for all participants to enjoy a free sandwich.

For those who are demanding something colder, they can also indulge in a wonderful grapes. Amanda Mcquillan, whose family whip and operated country Whip in Acushnet for decades, brings these sweet delicacies to buy.

The Zinnia Torres, who comes from New Bedford, who heard Tattoo Alchemy in Fort Myers, Florida, will surely sell her at home.

There will be a 50/50 raffle and a live auction from New Bedford inspired objects with the proceeds to the event next year. In addition, bandstand will bring the melodies and dance to the event with hits from the 50s until the 80s.

“I look forward to seeing old friends again,” said Abreu. “Restore the brotherhood and sisterhood and revive again.”

“We all want what is best for New Bedford and talking about all the great things that bring it home,” he continued. “Even if they hiked south, love for the area and the region remains the same.”

For updated information about the event, you can visit your Facebook page at