03-03-2025
'The love for the area remains the same': New Bedford Day is headed to Florida this March
New Bedford Day is a day of gathering and reminiscing for snowbirds, or New Bedfordites who have made the permanent 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 residents.
Former New Bedford Mayor Brian Lawler came up with the Fort Myers event in 2004 as a way to connect snowbirds from the area and it quickly grew into a much-anticipated celebration.
Each year, the event has grown as word has spread and more pieces of their Massachusetts home, including food, music, and photography, have been showcased. Last year's event reached over 500 people.
'Seeing new faces, and younger couples is encouraging,' said the former owner of Shawmut Diner, Phil Paleologos, in a previous article. 'It means something has been created here that will only continue to grow and flourish.'
This year's New Bedford Day will be held from noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11, at a brand-new location.
New Bedfordites will come together to celebrate all things New Bedford at the Crazy Dingo Brewery inside of the Southern Fresh Farms, 8500 Penzance Blvd., Fort Myers, Florida.
'Community makes us richer, and it is a huge gift to be able to come together to have a good time while remembering where we came from and sharing those stories with each other,' Paleologos said.
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If you have been craving a taste of home, especially New Bedford delicacies you are in store for a treat.
In a herculean community effort, the New Bedford Day committee along with Gaspar's, and Ocean Spray Seafood made it possible for a whole pallet of area goods to be shipped down to Fort Myers.
Event goers will be able to get their hands on Gaspar's linguica and chourico, Hoo-Mee Chow Mein, and Silmo Syrup.
After learning that Publix stopped selling Gaspar's products in Florida, it was important to the committee to bring in these comfort items.
'It was a huge collaboration to bring relief to folks that long for a taste of home,' said Ian Abreu, New Bedford Day committee member. 'We know shipping costs can be astronomical and thanks to these partnerships with Ocean Spray Seafood and Gaspar's we can bring it at a much better price.'
Not only will you be able to buy your favorite Portuguese sausage, but Gaspar's has generously donated enough linguica for all attendees to enjoy a complimentary sandwich.
For those craving something colder, you will also be able to indulge in a delightful coffee frappe. Amanda McQuillan, whose family owned and operated Country Whip in Acushnet for decades, is bringing this sweet treat for purchase.
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New Bedford native Zinnia Torres, who owns Tattoo Alchemy in Fort Myers, Florida, will be selling nautical items sure to remind you of home.
There will be a 50/50 raffle and a live auction of New Bedford-inspired items with the proceeds going to next year's event. Also, Bandstand will be bringing the tunes and dancing to the event with hits from the 50s through the 80s.
'I'm looking forward to seeing old friends again,' said Abreu. 'Reconnecting and rekindling the brotherhood and sisterhood we have.'
'We all want what's best for New Bedford and enjoy talking about all the great things that make it home,' he continued. 'Even if they have migrated south, the love for the area and region remains the same.'
For updated information on the event, you can visit their Facebook page at
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Celebration of Whaling City coming to Florida. What is New Bedford Day?
