The Onset Bay Association and the Wareham Harbormaster Department will host the 3rd Annual Blessing of the Fleet on Saturday, July 2, at 10:30 a.m. at the Onset Pier.

A parade of boats will begin promptly at 11 a.m. and proceed from the far side of Wickets Island in the channel past the front of the pier, where Father John Sullivan from St. Patrick's Church in Wareham will bless each of the vessels.

All mariners are invited to participate, regardless of homeport or vessel size.

Captains are encouraged to decorate their vessels -- especially for the Independence Day holiday. A group of judges will evaluate the boats, with prizes doled out for “best dressed” and “most patriotic.”

The Blessing of the Fleet pays homage to a Wareham tradition from the 1970s and 1980s. Mariners going out to fish for the season would take part in a "well-wishing" of sorts before leaving.

"It kind of died out for about 15 years," explained Assistant Harbormaster Jamie McIntosh. "Two years ago, with the help of the Onset Bay Association, I was able to bring it back."

Participation in the event has been steadily increasing. Two years ago, there were 22 vessels. Last year, the number jumped to 30. McIntosh said this year, there are right around 50 vessels signed up to participate.

For more information, contact the Onset Bay Association at 4 Union St., Onset or call 508-295-7072. Sign up at onsetBOTF@gmail.com or visit the Harbormaster office at the Onset Pier.