By Steven Froias
Special to the NBEDC
On Saturday, September 14, Acushnet Avenue was transformed into a vibrant celebration of community, culture, and business as the MassDevelopment New Bedford TDI District and its partners, including NBEDC’s New Bedford Creative, hosted a block party that brought people together in the heart of the North End.
The event, held in front of the historic St. Anthony of Padua Church, saw around 300 people throughout the evening, dancing in the streets and celebrating a neighborhood that has become a symbol of resilience, evolution, and opportunity. For the residents of the North End of New Bedford, this wasn’t just a party – it was a statement of pride, history, and hope for the future.
Affectionately known as “The Ave,” Acushnet Avenue is the commercial backbone of the North End, an area defined by its eclectic mix of long-standing businesses and new entrepreneurial ventures. For nearly two years, the TDI District has been actively promoting the unique characteristics that make this corridor a standout in the city. The block party was not only a joyous celebration but also a bold move by the organizers, marking a moment where the street was closed to traffic but wide open to the people who live, work, and thrive in the neighborhood.
The “Love The Ave” campaign, a long-running initiative in the area, has emphasized community engagement and business support, creating a buzz around the potential and vitality of Acushnet Avenue. The block party was the latest manifestation of this ongoing effort to shine a light on what makes this part of New Bedford so special. From music and dancing to the shared experiences of residents, the event was a vivid reminder of the neighborhood’s cultural richness and its ability to embrace both its history and its future.
One of the defining features of The Ave is the way it marries old and new, tradition and innovation. Iconic businesses that have been serving the community for decades stand shoulder-to-shoulder with newly opened establishments, creating a unique synergy that makes this street unlike any other in the city.
In the far north stands Pa Raffa’s, a beloved Italian restaurant that has been a destination eatery for 60 years as of 2024. At the other end on Coggeshall Street – the gateway to The Ave – you’ll find the Endzone, this year celebrating 30 years of serving a delicious lunch and dinners. In between, you’ll find everything from banks to clothing stores and all manner of creative retail spots – even a genuine comic book store! All of them exemplify the staying power of businesses that have woven themselves into the fabric of the community.
Just as important to North End’s vibrancy are the new businesses that are planting their roots and contributing to the evolving identity of The Ave. Taqueria La Raza, a lively eatery serving authentic Mexican cuisine, and Casa Lempira, with Honduran food on the menu, are just two examples of the fresh entrepreneurial spirit that is helping to revitalize Acushnet Avenue. These new ventures – and the attendant necessary service industry establishments – not only bring exciting new offerings to the area but also reflect the changing demographics and needs of the neighborhood.
The North End of New Bedford has seen an influx of residents from Central America, particularly from Guatemala. This growing community has found in Acushnet Avenue a place where they can both honor their cultural heritage and pursue new opportunities. The rise of businesses catering to the tastes and preferences of these new residents is a testament to the neighborhood’s ability to adapt and grow while staying true to its roots as a destination for newcomers to the city.
At the block party, this sense of opportunity was palpable. People from all walks of life came together to celebrate their shared connection to The Ave. Families gathered, children played, and longtime residents mingled with newcomers, all under the watchful presence of St. Anthony of Padua Church, the historic landmark that has stood as a symbol of faith and resilience in the North End for over a century.
For the TDI District, the decision to close off Acushnet Avenue for the evening was a way to reclaim the space for the people who make the neighborhood what it is. The street, which is normally bustling with cars and commercial activity, was instead transformed into a communal gathering place, a space for connection and celebration. It was a bold move, but one that reflected the TDI’s commitment to promoting all that’s authentic and unique about The Ave.
The block party was also a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit that has always been at the heart of Acushnet Avenue. Some were represented at tables right on the street that evening. Whether it’s a business that has been around for decades or a new venture just getting off the ground, each contributes to the belief that The Ave is a resilient core that is capable of adapting itself to changing times and circumstances.
The New Bedford Economic Development Council is thrilled that a number of applicants to its programs such as NBForward!, or NB100!, make their home in the North End and on The Ave. It’s why they’ve always helped support the Love The Ave initiative whenever and wherever possible, in partnership with New Bedford Creative, the City of New Bedford, and now the MassDevelopment TDI District.
Creating pathways to tomorrow is the mission of the NBEDC. And to Love The Ave is to move in the right direction for this time and for all time.
