Boats, bicycles and blessings, oh my!

Jul 7, 2018

More than 40 boats sailed into Onset Harbor this year for the 5th annual Blessing of the Fleet.

Decked out in shades of red, white and blue for Independence Day, the boats circled Onset Bay to receive a splash of holy water from Father Antonio of St. Patrick's Parish.

The event is an age old tradition according to Onset Bay Association Executive Director Kat Jones, designed to protect sailors and their vessels while out at sea.

"It's a very important day," said Event Co-Organizer Eleanor Martin. "It's a celebration of our community and our country."

Spectators on shore also got involved in the blessing, squirting passing boats with water guns and even coming under fire themselves.

Children of all ages also got to take a patriotic lap around Onset Pier, participating in the bicycle parade, doll carriage parade and pet parade.

"It's a tradition we want to keep going," Jones said. "People really love it."