The early “Blessing of the Fleet” ceremonies that we currently know of today are said to have roots in ancient history, and were typically religious ceremonies meant to wish good luck and safety to those going to sea.

“Every culture has some kind of celebration when their ships go out to sea or their soldiers go to war to recognize the fragility of life, to wish for a productive voyage, etc. It has its historical and cultural roots,” said Wareham resident Bob White.

While it seems almost like ancient history since there was a Blessing of the Fleet in Onset, a group of locals have gotten together to bring the event back to Wareham’s waters and shorelines.

On July 5 at starting at 10 a.m., the Blessing of the Fleet returns to Onset Harbor as there will be both a Boat Parade and an Ecumenical Service meant to wish a good year’s worth of blessings on area boaters.

“The last one was some time ago,” said White, one of the organizers for this year’s event, who along with about six or seven others have been key in bringing the blessings back to the bay.

White said that he believed the most recent to have taken place some time in the 90s under the direction of Ed Laffey, an Onset resident. White said that after years of organizing the events, Laffey was no longer able to do so, and unfortunately, no one picked up the responsibilities until now.

The event, which is part of Wareham’s Summer of Celebration, will kick off with entertainment from the Falmouth Fiddlers and Wareham vocalist Kathy Andrews, to be followed by the actual blessing.

As for the Boat Parade, which starts at 11:30, the theme will be “Red, White, and Blue,” and boaters are encouraged to dress up themselves as well as their boats in accordance with the theme, with first, second, and third-place prizes to be awarded to participating vessels and their crews.

Spectators are encouraged to take part in the event as well, which takes place at Onset Pier, though boats can be viewed from the beach on both sides of it.

“The beach on either side of the Pier will be good (to view the event),” said White. “You don’t have to own a boat. Being on the beach is a great way to view the boats.”

The emcee for event Pastor Colin Wright, and he will introduce those involved and discuss the history of the Blessing of the Fleet. The event is rain or shine, and will be overseen by the Wareham Harbormaster’s Department.

White said that boats have to be registered for the event prior to it to be eligible for a prize, though it’s not necessary to register if no prize is sought. He also said that public safety will be stressed.

Boats will meet in the vicinity of Onset Island and Wickets Island at the direction of Assistant Harbormaster Jamie McIntosh.

“They’re going to be judged by how they dress up themselves and their boats,” said Sharon Boyer, one of the organizers of the event, who said that includes three aspects: crew and attire, presentation coming towards shore, and presentation leaving shore.

Prizes include two-night dockage at the Onset Bay Marina and a Cobra Marine Floating UHF Radio.

White said that depending on the success of the event, it’s something they’d continue to organized year after year.

“It’s been a long time,” said White, “ but its something that we’re considering doing every year.”

To register, email warehambotf@yahoo.com. For more information or info other other Summer of Celebration events, visit wareham2014.com.