Blessing of the Fleet returns to Onset after pandemic, weather delays
Jul 3, 2022
A family calls out “Happy Fourth of July” while cruising by Onset Pier on Sunday morning. Photos by: Alexandra Weliever
After years of pandemic cancelations and a single-day delay due to Saturday’s inclement weather, the annual Blessing of the Fleet cruised through Onset Bay Sunday morning as part of the weekend’s holiday festivities.
Boats adorned with all things red, white and blue puttered past Onset Pier, receiving blessings from the Rev. Kathleen Hoffman of the First Spiritualist Church of Onset. Hoffman was joined on stage by Onset Bay Association executive director Kat Jones, who helped organize the event, and Bob Hayes, who served as the morning’s emcee.
On the docks, families cheered and shouted at the boats, as cries of “Happy Fourth of July” rang out across the pier.
“You can’t cancel Independence Day,” Jones said. “People really love (the blessing).”
After a line of more than 20 boats passed by the harbor, Jones announced that the winner of the boat parade’s decorations contest was the vessel “Living the Dream,” a 21-foot Sportsman.
Soon thereafter, a kid, pet and carriage parade and decorations contest began on land around the pier.
Nicole and Sage Calvin won the carriage parade, while Victoria Ajtum-Roberts won the kid parade. Yellow Labrador Rex Collins won the pet parade.
Boaters sing “God Bless the USA” during the Onset Blessing of the Fleet.
Nicholas Monroy, 4, and David Monroy, 7, biked in the morning’s kid parade after the blessing ended.
Bob Hayes announces each boat as the event’s emcee.
Daniel Thompson pilots a 1955 Chris Craft Continental.
One boat rider and a dog smile and wave at the pier of onlookers.
About 20 boats participated in Sunday’s festivities.
Many dogs were seen riding on boats during the Onset Blessing of the Fleet.
Onset Bay Association executive director Kat Jones bows after singing the National Anthem.
The Rev. Kathleen Hoffman blesses a passing boat.
One boater toots on a whistle as his craft passes the pier.
Boaters on the “Triumph” decorated their craft with Mardi Gras imagery colors and beads.
Winner of the carriage parade Sage Calvin holds one of the prizes from his gift basket.
The “Liberty3” drives past Onset Pier.
Some boaters squirted onlookers on Onset Pier with water guns.
The Wareham Harbormaster’s boat signals the beginning of the blessing with a water spout.
