40-boat procession at annual Blessing of the Fleet

Zarrin Tasnim Ahmed
Jul 2, 2016
Passengers of the Harbormaster's boat wave at those on the Onset Pier after the boat received a blessing. BY ZARRIN TASNIM AHMED
The Falmouth Fiddlers provided music during the event. BY ZARRIN TASNIM AHMED
The Onset Bay Association, who partnered in creating the event, manned a booth and sold buttons, t-shirts, and other things to raise funds for next year's fireworks. BY ZARRIN TASNIM AHMED
An "I Love America" flag dons the Onset Pier. BY ZARRIN TASNIM AHMED
Spectators wait on the pier for the ceremony to begin. BY ZARRIN TASNIM AHMED
Decorations hang from a boat. BY ZARRIN TASNIM AHMED
Emma Pacheco, 8, was the flag bearer for the event and is part of the Color Guard. Here, she's enjoying a watermelon. BY ZARRIN TASNIM AHMED
Members of the Knights of Columbus Bishop Cassidy Assembly, 4th degree, salute the boats. BY ZARRIN TASNIM AHMED
Uncle Sam, at the center of the pier, has a big smile for all. BY ZARRIN TASNIM AHMED
Mark Cabral, president of the Bishop Cassidy Assembly of the Knights of Columbus, dons a red cape signifying his rank in the order. This is his third year dressing for the Blessing of the Fleet. BY ZARRIN TASNIM AHMED
Jamie McIntosh, organizer of the event, wears patriotic sunglasses while handing out prizes to the winners. BY ZARRIN TASNIM AHMED

It was a beautiful day for the annual Blessing of the Fleet at Onset Pier, during which more than 40 boats were blessed by a priest for the season.

The theme was the Fourth of July, and patriotism flew as high in the air as the many American flags decorating boats and the pier.

Almost every boat was donned in red, white, and blue. Judges determined the best dressed boats with the best dressed crews, awarding first, second, and third place prizes.

First place winner Trenton Blanchard, of the vessel Overbudget, accepted a membership to SeaTow, a gift certificate to Ebb and Flow, and a marine VHF handheld radio from Atlantic Boats. He humbly said, "It was all my crew."

Chad Crittenden, owner of Mayhem 2 and last year's first place winner for best dressed, took home the prize for the most patriotic. Though there were Statues of Liberty on other boats, no one else had an eagle head mascot.

Father John Sullivan from St. Patrick's Church blessed the boats with holy water as they passed the pier in a single file line. The 4th degree Bishop Cassidy Assembly of the Knights of Columbus were dressed in their Color Corps uniforms, which included capes, and helped Father Sullivan with the blessing.

Prior to the parade, emcee Carlston Wood said, "I entertained the crows early on as a wandering minstrel with a ukulele."

The Falmouth Fiddlers began the festivities with performances of songs like "Liberty" and "Waterfall."

With a presentation of the flag and a singing of the National Anthem, the crowd gathered at the pier were ready to welcome the procession of boats.

The turnout this year more than doubled, said Assistant Harbormaster Jamie McIntosh, who also coordinated the event. McIntosh attributed its success to the publicity he brought in for the event.

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 McIntosh. "Two years ago, with the help of the Onset Bay Association, I was able to bring it back."

Most Popular