New Bedford’s Feast of the Blessed Sacrament Will Have Tight Security

Some who attended last year's Feast of the Blessed Sacrament in New Bedford may have been surprised by the addition of enhanced security.

For many, the Feast has fit like a comfortable old sweater over the years, with most attendees not feeling as though they needed to be overly concerned about their safety.

Times have changed. People have changed.

Get our free mobile app

The 108th Feast of the Blessed Sacrament launches Thursday evening at Madeira Field, and the enhanced security measures adopted last year will be noticeable again this year.

New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira said folks should feel safe attending the Feast.

"You can let them know that the police department, along with the Feast committee, have taken the necessary measures to ensure their safety," Oliveira said.

New security measures introduced for last year's Feast included specific entrances and metal detectors. Oliveira said limiting entrance to the feast grounds was effective last year, "along with the metal detectors."

WBSM reported on the enhanced security measures last year that established only four ways in and out of the feast grounds "rather than the ability to enter the grounds from all the surrounding side streets."

Organizers say, "Coolers, handbags, and backpacks will not be allowed on the feast grounds, nor are weapons of any kind. Some exceptions include medical bags, baby bags, and stroller and walker storage, which is subject to review by security staff."

A complete list of items not allowed on the feast grounds are available on the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament website.

Feast hours are 6 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. Thursday, 5 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. on Friday, and 12 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free.

The annual Feast of the Blessed Sacrament Parade steps off from Brooklawn Park at 2 p.m. on Sunday.