Looking for something fun to do this weekend, you better head to Narragansett. The Annual Blessing of The Fleet takes place and offers a Road Race with about 4,000 runners , a Seafood Festival and lots more.
The Blessing of the Fleet has been a South County tradition for forty two consecutive years. What began as a ceremony to ask for "Divine Protection" for those who risk their lives harvesting the sea has blossomed into one of Rhode Island’s most popular 2 day events.
The Blessing of the Fleet itself is a spectacularly colorful event that takes place at noon on Saturday, in Galilee. On a good day, hundreds of vessels line up to parade past thousands of spectators.
The Blessing features a colorful parade of commercial and recreational watercraft, large and small. Each parading vessel is blessed by The distinguished clergymen, and judged for prizes in three different categories by State and local officials.
Local clergymen bless each and every decorated vessel as they pass before them and a panel of celebrity judges rate the decorations in a variety of categories. Recent years' judges included the Governor of RI, the Lt. Governor, Senator Reed, Congressman Langevin, Miss Rhode Island and other local dignitaries.
This is a great opportunity to meet all manner of people you might never see, crazy athletes, local fishermen & women who toil on the ocean to bring us fresh seafood year round along with locals & visitors enjoying the culinary delights RI has to offer.
All this with the back drop of Narragansett Bay, The Port of Galilee & beaches to relax on. A truly unique Southern RI event with something for all the family. If a wee drop of rain should fall you can always try one of the many local hostelrys before you go on your way again.
Whether you are on vacation in South County or just a local taking a break make sure to relax, and soak up the fun.
http://narragansettlionsclub.com/sub_category_list.asp?category=15&title=Blessing+of+The+Fleet
