The first of four Neighborhood Summer Festivals sponsored by Mayor Edward M. Lambert, Jr. took place at Abbott Court Park in the City's South End on July 11, 2006. The Festivals began as a Neighborhood Council project and have become a corner piece of summer fun in Fall River. They provide an opportunity for neighbors to meet each other in a fun environment, as well as heart-healthy activities and good food. Human service organizations including the Family Service Association, the Fall River Police Department, the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Massachusetts, and Community Development Recreation are also on hand with information and fun activities. Other festivals were scheduled for July 18th at Ruggles Park, July 25th at Lafayette Park and August 1st at Maplewood Park. For further information about these events, contact Community Coordinator Maureen Estes at 508-324-2405. Click here to see pictures of last year's Abbott Court Festival.
 

(Top row, left) Youth get a chance to stretch their muscles going through an inflatable obstacle course. (Top row, center) Keven Cotto, Noah Salva, Mike Rebello, Cody Duclos and Eric Rebello pause for a moment. (Top row, right) Devin Dublos' mom Heidi introduces him to some healthy and refreshing watermelon. (Middle row, left) Kids try their skills in tossing water-filled balloons to one another. (Bottom row) Diamond Dave from New Wave Rhythm music leads competing teams in a game requiring each line to pass a foam water noodle to one another. Everyone won a Neighborhood Festival tee-shirt sporting logos from the participating sponsors, including Bank Five, Community Development Recreation, First Congregational Church, Fall River Police, JayVees Floor Center, Mayor Edward M. Lambert, Jr., McGovern's Family Restaurant, Notre Dame Federal Credit Union, Partners for a Healthier Community, Shaw's Supermarkets, Southcoast Hospitals Group, St. Anne's Credit Union, St. Anthony of Padua Federal Credit Union, and St. Michael's Credit Union.