By Beth David, Editor
Hundreds of people enjoyed a block party on Ferry Street in Fairhaven to celebrate the new extra-wide sidewalk installed just a few weeks ago. Organized by the Fairhaven Office of Community Development and the Livable Streets Committee, the event, “Scoops and the Street,” also celebrated the season opening of the Ice Cream Cottage.
The site is at the beginning of the Phoenix Bike Trail at the corner of Main and South Streets. The new sidewalk allows for permanent benches for people to be able to sit and enjoy their ice cream; and is wide enough to allow for some outdoor seating for the adjacent restaurants.
“We were honored to be joined by members of the Select Board and Planning Board for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony (thank you to the Economic Development Committee for providing the ribbon and scissors!),” wrote Alyssa Botelho, Director of Community Development, on the Discover Fairhaven Facebook page. “The evening was filled with live music from The Shepherd Center for the Performing Arts, a lively arrival from the Wood School Bike Bus, and local flair from vendors like Euro Ship Store/Phoenix and Susan Darwin’s Fairhaven Summer Art Gallery.”
Ms. Botelho said up to 500 people joined the party, with a steady stream during the whole event.
The new sidewalk creates a “more welcoming pedestrian-friendly space, where people can comfortably connect and linger,” she said, and credited Highway Superintendent Joshua Crabb for getting the project done.
“These small but impactful improvements are about more than just infrastructure — they’re about creating places where people want to linger, connect, and support local businesses,” wrote Ms. Botelho. “With this expanded sidewalk, we’re paving the way (literally!) for a stronger sense of place and community in Fairhaven.”
Calling it a “sweet start to the season,” Ms. Botelho said, “Friday night was a beautiful reminder of what makes Fairhaven so special.”
On behalf of the Board of Public Works, Robert “Hoppy” Hobson cut the ribbon surrounded by town officials and members of the public.
A video of the event will be available at FairhavenTV.com soon.
Visit www.discoverfairhaven.org to learn more about events and things to do in Fairhaven.
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- Children make chalk art at a Block Party on 5/16/25 to celebrate the addition of an extra wide sidewalk on Ferry Street in Fairhaven, allowing for outdoor seating. Photo courtesy of James Mahaney.
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- Surrounded by other town officials and members of the public, Robert “Hoppy” Hobson, Vice Chair of the Board of Public Works, cuts the ribbon on the new, extra wide sidewalk on Ferry Street at a block party on 5/16/25. Photo courtesy of James Mahaney.
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- People gather in the street and wait in line for ice cream at a Block Party on 5/16/25 to celebrate the addition of an extra wide sidewalk on Ferry Street in Fairhaven, allowing for outdoor seating. Photo courtesy of James Mahaney.
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- Bicycles and people mingle in the street at a Block Party on 5/16/25 to celebrate the addition of an extra wide sidewalk on Ferry Street in Fairhaven, allowing for outdoor seating. Photo courtesy of James Mahaney.
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Click here to download the 5/22/25 issue: 05-22-25 BlockParty
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