By Beth David, Editor
The 94th annual Our Lady of Angels Portuguese feast in Fairhaven had huge crowds despite rain and some violence outside the feast grounds. On Saturday night, the first night of the feast, a bit of a scuffle broke out in the parking lot between two young women, reportedly over a relationship issue.
On Sunday, though, the situation was more serious, with a drive-by shooting on Main Street, outside the feast grounds. Police immediately shut down the feast, and sent everyone home around 10 p.m.
According to a Fairhaven police press release and Neighb News sources, the victim was a 19-year-old man who suffered non life threatening injuries. He was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital.
Three people were detained in connection to the shooting, but it is unclear if the shooter was one of them or if anyone was charged.
Denise Paulson and Kevin McAllister were there when the commotion took place, and they were back on Monday. They returned, they said, to “give a little support.”
The shutdown was announced, they said and people were asked to leave but asked not to rush out.
“They did a very good job of getting everybody out of here quickly,” said Mr. McAllister.
“I was impressed,” said Ms. Paulson, adding no one panicked.
After they slipped out the side entrance, they saw police from towns all around, they said, and made their way to the parking lot.
“Everybody was helping everybody out in the parking lot,” said Mr. McAllister. “It was very well handled.”
Meanwhile, OLOA club members said that the first night was so busy they made 50% of what they made last year during the whole feast. Saturday’s rain did not stop people from attending. The malasadas line was as long as always.
At night, the dance floor was filled. Food and beverage sales were strong according to club members.
Charlie Murphy, a club member and Fairhaven elected official wrote on his Facebook Page: “Everyone is safe, and unfortunately, a situation occurred that was beyond our control. All we want to do is provide a family friendly great cultural experience, great food, and great fun! All of our families are involved in each day of this free celebration!”
He also said he hoped the procession on Monday would be well attended, and it absolutely was.
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- Members of Our Lady of Angels Catholic Association carry the 800 pound statue in the procession of the 94th OLOA Portuguese Feast in Fairhaven on 9/2/24, with confetti released into the air after the arm of the statue caught the money ring suspended on a wire between two poles. Photo by Glenn C. Silva for the Fairhaven Neighborhood News.
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- Members of Nossa Senhora Dos Anjos (Our Lady of Angels) carry a smaller version of the statue in the procession of the 94th OLOA Portuguese Feast in Fairhaven on 9/2/24. Photo by Beth David.
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- L-R: Kayla Costa, Evvie and Grace Chagnon mix the dough for the malasadas at the 94th annual Our Lady of Angels feast in Fairhaven on Sunday, 9/1/24, the first time for the two young sisters. Photo by Beth David.
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- Kayla Costa pours the yeast while Calibe Correia ( LEFT) and Kyle Lemieux mix the dough that will be used for malasadas at the 94th annual Our Lady of Angels feast in Fairhaven on Sunday, 9/1/24. Photo by Beth David.
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- Children walk in the procession of the 94th Our Lady of Angels Portuguese Feast in Fairhaven on 9/2/24, a right of passage in many families. Photo by Beth David.
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