Blessing of the Fleet set for March 8
Dress up your boats and meet on the shrimp docks for the 58th annual Blessing of the Fleet Sunday, March 8.
This year’s celebration will be from noon to 5 p.m. with the blessing ceremony by a bishop of the Episcopal church slated for 2:30 p.m.
According to coordinator Betty Goodacre, there will be games, vendors, a guided shrimp boat tour and shrimp-eating contests to highlight the day.
“It’s a good, old-fashion neighborhood party,” said Goodacre, a San Carlos Island resident. “It gets bigger every year.”
The Blessing, which has been going on since 1951, is a favorite of the locals and a big part of the community’s annual events. And, like in years past, it is scheduled during the week of a full moon.
“Yes, the full moon is that week,” said Goodacre. “It’s customary to hold it on a full moon week, because the boats are in on a full moon and out to sea afterwards.”
During a full moon, shrimp bury themselves deeper in the mud making it harder to be caught. Shrimp boats tend to come in at that time and shrimpers get a much needed break from the sea. Afterwards, the boats leave the docks and usually stay out to sea for a three-week period.
During that length of time, shrimpers work at night and sleep when the sun is up.
For more information on the Blessing of the Fleet, volunteering or setting up booths, contact Goodacre at 463-6487.