By Beth David, Editor
This month’s Huttleston Harborfest, themed “A Splash of Art,” brought together hundreds of artists and other talent to Grimshaw Park near Fort Phoenix in Fairhaven on Saturday, 8/23/25. Artists with all manner of home-made items, hands-on art making, music, food, and lots of creativity flowed around the park with more than 75 booths and food trucks set up.
Lion Evercrest of Lion’s Art Hole, said she was doing great selling t-shirts with original designs and postcards. She said she tailors her product to events, and has something special planned for the next Harborfest on 9/20, which has a Medieval Faire theme.
“It’s a really nice event,” said Joan Gouveia of Green Cottageworks, that she runs with her sister, Helen DeForge. She said they were there last month and will be there for the last on next month selling scented soy candles and “giftables.”
In addition to lots and lots of artists, there were also plenty of information booths.
Fairhaven’s newest harbor worker, the Jellfishbot robot designed to clean up the harbor, got its name at the event. People voted and the name “Bumblebee” won. Organizers said they got more than 300 submissions.
Fairhaven Director of Land Use and Planning, Bruce Webb, was on hand to explain how Bumblebee has different attachments available, including a mesh net that can scoop up debris, and attachments to deploy absorbent boom during oil spills.
“It’s core mission is collecting trash,” said Mr. Webb. “It’s backup is putting boom out for oil spills.”
Greg Sullivan got a quick lesson and suggested the name “Jelly Bee,” but alas, his name did not win
“I think it’s really exciting that Fairhaven/New Bedford Harbor is being so proactive,” said Mr. Sullivan.
Mr. Webb noted that the town got a state grant to buy the gadget.
The Fairhaven Commission on Disability set up a table for children of all abilities to make some art. They could use paint brushes, rollers, work at the table or on the ground.
Anne Marie Chagnon said some children took their art off to the side to be in a calmer place, others embraced the chaos. She said the kids had a really good time being creative.
“Everybody is included,” said new COD member Pam Roy, who was attending her first event as a committee member.
“So far it’s great,” she said of being on the committee and Harborfest.
Organizer Alyssa Botelho, Discover Fairhaven Director, said she was very happy with the turnout. They had more vendors than any other Harborfest.
“It speaks to how many talented, creative folks we have here on the South Coast,” said Ms. Botelho. “Everybody’s in a great mood.”
Ms. Botelho also said they had something very special planned for the Medieval Faire themed Harborfest coming up on 9/20, including a movie.
Stay tuned for details.
Visit www.discoverfairhaven.org.
-
- Young Isabelle is clearly fascinated with the colorful stilt walker, Sheri O’Brian of Extraordinary Arts Entertainment, at the Huttleston Harborfest themed “Splash of Art,” on 8/23/25 at Grimshaw Park in Fairhaven. Photo by Beth David.
-
- L-R: Fairhaven Director of Land Use and Planning, Bruce Webb, explains the uses of Fairhaven’s Jellyfishbot, “Bumblebee,” to Greg Sullivan at the Huttleston Harborfest themed “Splash of Art,” on 8/23/25 at Grimshaw Park in Fairhaven. Photo by Beth David.
-
- Kathy Caesar of KMC Fluid Art Studio poses with some of her artwork at the Huttleston Harborfest themed “Splash of Art,” on 8/23/25 at Grimshaw Park in Fairhaven. Photo by Beth David.
-
- L-R: Sisters, Helen DeForge and Joan Gouveia are all smiles staffing the booth for their company, Green Cottageworks, at the Huttleston Harborfest themed “Splash of Art,” on 8/23/25 at Grimshaw Park in Fairhaven. Photo by Beth David.
-
- Lion Evercrest of Lion’s Art Hole is all smiles staffing her booth at the Huttleston Harborfest themed “Splash of Art,” on 8/23/25 at Grimshaw Park in Fairhaven. Photo by Beth David.
•••
Click here to download the 8/28/25 issue: 08-28-25 Harborfest
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal
