Portuguese Feast 2012 Returns to Ferry Street

The Portuguese Festival is back and we get the details from Fernando Grilo, president of the Committee that organizes the festival (and President of Uniao dos Clubes Luso Americanos de NJ - association of 13 Portuguese Social Clubs). Fernando is excited that the Portuguese Festival is back on Ferry Street - though not the entire street as it was in past years. The center of festivities will be Peter Francisco Park near Penn Station. Vendors and activities will be at the beginning of Ferry Street and even include Bruen & McWhorter Streets (see map on the right).

The three days of singers, performances, children's activities and Portuguese food starts Friday June 8th, however you can visit two exhibits that are open during the week - below is a breakdown of scheduled activities.

June 4-10

Photograph Exhibition at Casa do Ribatejo Social Club is located at 156 Rome.
Exhibition of Hand Painted pots and ceramics by local artisans at 158 Ferry Street.

Friday, June 8th

Festivities kick-off Friday with a concert in Peter Francisco Park by popular Portuguese Folklore singer, Quim Barreiros at 9:30pm.

Saturday, June 9th:

You will find a Sidewalk Sale by Ferry Street businesses.
From 12pm-11pm - you will find local DJ's, dance groups and performances at the Peter Francisco Park stage.
At 3pm they will transmitted on a large screen - the Portugal vs. Alemanha game, part of the European Championship Tournament Cup.

Sunday, June 10th:

Sunday morning there will races for adults and children. A 5k race starts at 9am from the Iberia Restaurant Parking Lot ($20 registration day of race) - winners get a mountain bike. You can find the registration form here
There are also Kiddie dash starting at 9:45am for children 8 and under. All participants will receive medals.
The official Parade starts on Ferry Street at 3pm but there will be performance all day from 12-9pm on the Peter Francisco Park stage.

More info can be found at: www.njportuguese.com

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Street Closures

Friday, June 8, 12pm until Sunday, June 10, at 11 pm:
- Ferry Street, from New Jersey Railroad Avenue to Union Street.
- Edison Place, from McCarter Highway to Ferry Street. (Note that taxicabs will be allowed on to Alling Street to access Penn Station)
- McWhorter Street from Ferry Street to Hamilton Street.
- Bruen Street from Ferry Street to Hamilton Street.
Closed on Sunday, June 10, 7-11am and 1-5pm
- Ferry Street between Niagara Street and Penn Station, during the foot race and parade.

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PARADE & FESTIVAL RULES

- Glass bottles and containers are prohibited. Street vendors selling alcohol are prohibited from dispensing alcoholic beverages in glass bottles or containers.
- All ordinances and laws governing open containers will be enforced.
- Large flags, banners, sticks, poles, or other obstructions shall not be allowed in the festival with the exception of those of organized performing groups or those persons participating in the parade or processions.
- Bicycles are not allowed within the festival area.
- The general public shall not be allowed to carry large coolers into the festival area.
- Dogs shall not be walked within the festival area. Small dogs that can easily be carried will be permitted. Exotic animals and pets (e.g., snakes, lizards, etc.) are prohibited in the festival area due to the general public's sensitivity and emotional reaction to such animals. Persons with such pets shall be directed to leave the festival.
- The consumption of alcohol shall NOT be permitted in city streets; this excludes consumption within licensed establishments.
- Festivities conclude at 11 pm Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Alcohol sales must cease two hours before the closing time.
- NO public drinking outside designated festival area
- NO alcohol-stuffed backpacks; liquor stores and alcohol vendors shall NOT dispense liquor into any backpacks.
- Vendors and Restaurant owners who dump cooking oil into streets, sewers, sidewalks, or storm drains will be charged with Unlawful Disposal of Hazardous Waste.