Blessing of Fleet set for shrimp docks
The Blessing of the Fleet festival this year will be held at Beach Seafood at 1100 Shrimp Boat Lane on Sunday, March 20, from noon to 5 p.m. The Shrimp Eating Contest starts at 2 p.m., and the The Rt. Reverend Neil Lebhar, Bishop of the Gulf Atlantic Diocese in the Anglican Church of North America will Bless the Fleet at 3. There will be live entertainment, bounce houses, slides, games and prizes for the kids as well as exhibits, a variety of vendors, CERT members, fire trucks, kid’s safety fingerprinting, food, LOCAL SEAFOOD, drinks (beer, soda, waters, etc…), hay rides, and lots more.
If you have something to promote or sell – maybe you want to showcase your realty listings, sell your baked goods or crafts or even sell some stuff around your house for extra cash, promote your new business… booths are available at $10. If you are a non-profit organization, booths are free.
This is a great way for schools and clubs to raise funds or promote upcoming events. We also have opportunities for students to earn community service hours needed for graduation – or to add to their college application. If you’d like to be a sponsor and have your name on the sponsor banner as well as a booth, the cost is $100.
There is no entry fee for the Blessing of the Fleet. This is an annual hometown festival where all the locals and visitors come to support each other and our commercial fishing industry and watch the Bishop as he Blesses our Local American Fishing Fleet for a bountiful year and safe journey’s on the waters while they do their dangerous jobs.
Let us know if you’re interested in a booth, or just come on out on Sunday March 20 and have a great time! If you’re a local, then you’ll know everyone. If you’re a new visitor, come out and meet the great people of this community.
–submitted by Tracey Gore