Family Block Party Coming to Ferry Street in Fairhaven on 5/9 to Celebrate Sidewalk Expansion and More

The scoop on the street is that Fairhaven is the place to be on Friday.

Hosted by The Livable Streets Committee and Discover Fairhaven, Scoops on the Street: A Ferry Street Block Party is happening on Friday, May 9^th from 4 pm to 8 pm, promising a celebration of community, connection, and a more walkable Fairhaven.

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Fairhaven’s Sidewalk Expansion on Ferry Street

Fairhaven’s Ferry Street sidewalk expansion began last month, giving local eateries like Mae’s Breakfast, Olivia’s, and the Ice Cream Cottage the opportunity for outdoor seating.

The benefits of the project was two-fold; more seating area for the restaurants and improved pedestrian safety.

“Thanks to the leadership of Highway Superintendent Joshua Crabb, this transformation has created a more inviting, pedestrian-friendly space where people can comfortably gather,” said Alyssa Botelho of Discover Fairhaven. “We wanted to celebrate this improvement in conjunction with the opening of The Ice Cream Cottage, and highlight the value of accessible, vibrant public spaces in Fairhaven.”

READ MORE: Fairhaven's Former VFW Gets New Life as Sail House Tavern

What to Expect at the Ferry Street Block Party on May 9^th

Now that the project is finished and warmer weather is slowly but surely returning, it’s time to celebrate.

With the return of the Ice Cream Cottage for the season, The Livable Streets Committee and Discover Fairhaven invite the community to Ferry Street for an afternoon of ice cream, music, games, and family fun. Several downtown businesses and organizations will have tables, including Mae’s Breakfast, Euro, Art Loft, and the Fairhaven Summer Art Gallery. The Millicent Library will bring lawn games for kids and Supreme Perfections Dance Studio will perform from 5 pm to 6 pm.

“At 6 pm, we’ll hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a live musical performance from The Shepherd Center for the Performing Arts,” said Botelho. “It’s a family-friendly event that brings together local talent, small businesses, and neighborhood pride.”

After spending some time in Europe, Botelho realized the positive impact that outdoor-friendly spaces could provide to a neighborhood and she hopes this small but powerful change in infrastructure on Ferry Street will encourage people to linger, connect, and support nearby businesses.

“With this extended sidewalk, we’re creating a safer, more vibrant environment that invites people to enjoy Fairhaven’s charm," said Botelho. "Fairhaven is full of dedicated people doing incredible work behind the scenes to make the community better. This event is just one small way to highlight that effort and say thank you—to our local departments, volunteers, and businesses who make Fairhaven a place worth celebrating."

The party kicks off this Friday at 4 pm outside the Ice Cream Cottage.