Blessing of the Fleet

from Southern Tides May 2022

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Mark your calendars for May 28 and set your GPS for Thunderbolt!

Photos from previous Blessing events in decades past. This page above, and opposite page: Shrimp boats decorated to the nines paraded up and down the Wilmington River to receive the blessing. Left: Family-friendly fun is always in order! Photos provided by the Thunderbolt Museum Society, Inc.

The Blessing of the Fleet is a centuries-old tradition practiced in fishing villages around the world, meant to safeguard boats and their crews, and to encourage an abundant harvest from the sea. Thunderbolt’s Blessing of the Fleet was an annual tradition for decades, but hasn’t been held since the 1980s. Until now.

“Thunderbolt is filled with rich history and I am honored to bring back the Blessing of the Fleet,” said mayor Dana Williams. “For years, everyone has been talking about the return of the Blessing and I wanted to do it to bring our people together and celebrate our town’s unique history.”

The event will pay tribute to the shrimping and fishing industries that have been interwoven with the history and culture of the community for generations.

Although Georgia’s shrimping industry has been in decline for years, events such as this help keep the traditions and history alive.

A parade down River Drive kicks off the festivities at 10:00 AM, with vendors set up along the route. Bishop Parkes of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, in Savannah, will pronounce the blessing. Live music, a beer garden with a VIP area for sponsors, and other entertainments will round out the day until close at 6:00 PM. Come and show your support for the men and women who help to fill your plate with the bounty of the sea and have a fabulous day!

To become a sponsor or learn more, check in at botfga.com.