The fourth annual Blessing of the Fleet brought dogs and humans in spangled red, white and blue to see boaters and their decorated vessels.

The Blessing of the Fleet took place Saturday at the Onset Pier. There were 45 boats participating and each chose a theme and decorations, ranging from blasting music, hula dancers, colorful smoke or bubbles. Each boat passed the Onset Pier where a crowd of spectators cheered them on.

As the boats paraded by, Antonio Lisboa da Silva of Saint Patrick’s Church blessed the vessels. Lisboa da Silva said this was his first time blessing a fleet, but he was undaunted by the challenge. He prayed for the safety of the boats and fishermen this season and threw holy water into the water.

The tradition of blessing the fleet began in the early 1600s, said Assistant Harbormaster Jamie McIntosh. A priest would bless fishing vessels at the beginning of the season. In Wareham, the tradition was observed in the 1970s and 1980s, but it stopped until four years ago.

When it first started up again, the Blessing of the Fleet in Onset was a “small and quaint" event, McIntosh said, but it has grown into a “huge community event.” The boats were greeted enthusiastically by community members and visitors.

The boats are judged and prizes awarded for the best dressed vessel and crew. McIntosh said there has been a rivalry between boats “Valhalla” and “Overbudget” for the past three years. They have traded the first place spot over the years.

McIntosh said he expected “absolute chaos” when “Overbudget,” captained by Trenton Blanchard, was announced the first place winner, but the crews were in good spirits upon learning the news. “Valhalla,” with captain Chad Crittenden came in second place, followed by Rich McBrine’s “Trust Me.”