Newark city officials announced that the Newark Police Division is stepping up security and closing several streets to accommodate the upcoming Portuguese Festival and other activities to be held in the City’s East Ward on Saturday, June 8th and Sunday, June 9th.
“We look forward to seeing our residents and visitors enjoy this year’s Portuguese Festival and all that the City of Newark has to offer,” Director Ambrose said. “We simply request that everyone celebrate safely and responsibly. We encourage all participants to download the Newark Police Division App onto their cell phones to receive alerts and to report crimes or other suspicious activities. The public’s partnership with law enforcement is invaluable in ensuring a safe event,” he added.
With a plan to safeguard Festival-goers, the Newark Police Division will deploy both uniformed and plainclothes officers. Police will also utilize mobile surveillance cameras and will operate security checkpoints around the perimeter of the festival to ensure that no bags, umbrellas, bottles or backpacks are allowed.
Attendees are asked to abide by the national event safety awareness watchwords: “If you see something, say something.”
Due to the traffic congestion resulting from this event, we encourage those traveling in the area to allow for extra time and, if not attending the event, to plan alternate routes.
· Niagara Street between Ferry and Hensler streets
· Chambers Street between Ferry and Clover streets
Ø Friday, June 7th from 6 p.m. to midnight
Ø Saturday, June 8th from 2 p.m. to midnight
Ø Sunday, June 9th from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Foot Race: Sunday, June 9th, 2019
Ferry Street will be closed from St. Charles Street and New Jersey Railroad Avenue between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.
The Race Route outlined below will also impact traffic along the following listed streets:
Race Route
· East on Ferry Street to Wilson Avenue
· East on Wilson Avenue to Lang Street
· South on Lang Street to New York Avenue
· East on New York Avenue to Jabez Street
· South on Jabez Street to Rome Street
· South on Rome Street to St. Charles Street
· West on St. Charles Street to Ferry Street
· West on Ferry Street to the finish line at Ferry and Prospect streets
Parade: Sunday, June 9th, 2019
Ferry Street will be closed from Merchant Street to St. Charles Street 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The parade begins at 1 p.m. and will head west on Ferry Street from Merchant Street to New Jersey Railroad Avenue. Adjoining streets, from St. Charles Street to New Jersey Railroad Avenue, will be impacted during the parade.