New Bedford Welcomes 2016 with ‘City Celebrates!’

The City of New Bedford helped ring in the New Year with its annual "City Celebrates!" event Thursday night. 

Hundreds of families from all over SouthCoast and beyond journeyed out to enjoy the seasonably warm weather (this year, organizers passed out lip balm instead of hand warmers) and family friendly entertainment downtown.

This year's event featured many family favorites such as Toe Jam Puppet Band, magic shows, storytelling, street performers, a West African Drum Ensemble, critters from the Buttonwood Park Zoo, fire eaters and much more.

Of course, everyone was looking forward to the main event: the fireworks display over the waterfront.

Unfortunately, State Pier was closed off to the public this year, but the city closed off the lower portion of Union Street which allowed for a great viewing experience for all that took part.