The blessed is yet to come
Community looks forward with the Blessing of the Fleet
A longstanding and treasured tradition in the Newport community is getting back to (almost) normal. The Blessing of the Fleet, happening this Saturday, May 7, begins with a boat procession and blessings in Newport Harbor, which can be viewed from most locations on the Bayfront. A public barbecue hosted by the Newport Fishermen's Wives and memorial service for those lost at sea will complete the day’s events.
“The first year of COVID, we only did an online blessing because everything was still in total lockdown,” said Taunette Dixon, who handles the group’s press communications and social media. “The second year we did the boat procession and revised barbecue and memorial. Even though we’re giving it another year for the survival suit races and the games, usually part of the event, because that is just so much contact, we are really excited to be getting back to something close to normal for the rest of the events.”
Newport Fishermen's Wives sees the barbecue as an opportunity for re-engaging with the community and giving thanks for all of the support the group receives, especially throughout the last few years. The lunch is free and open to all.
“It's going to be exciting to be getting face to face with the people in the industry again,” Dixon said. “That’s what our role is, to figure out what the needs are and try to help meet them, and that’s harder to do when everything is virtual.”
Traditionally held at the Yaquina Bay Yacht Club, this year’s barbecue is going to be at the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center, which Dixon is excited about.
“I don’t think people realize how cool it is there,” she said. “If this brings more people in there that have never been before, that’s a good thing.”
Newport Fishermen's Wives will also be handing out free shirts with the group’s logo on the front and all the event sponsors listed on the back, while supplies last.
The Blessing of the Fleet is a community ceremony honoring local fishermen and their families. It is open to any and all who wish to ask blessings on their fishing vessel, charter vessel, pleasure craft or research vessel.
The recent tragedy of losing two lives on the White Swan III highlights the importance of community support for people that make their living from the sea and the loved ones that have lost someone to the sea, or worry about losing a loved one to the sea.
The tradition began as an old-world Sicilian custom emphasizing faith and perseverance —qualities that have long fueled those who go to sea to earn their living. Since the 1950s, Newport has continued the custom of asking for prayers for protection at sea, bountiful catches and peace of mind for the families at home.
The boat parade gets underway from the area near the port’s international terminal. The USCG Search and Rescue Helicopter, if available, and the motor lifeboats of Station Yaquina Bay signal the start of the parade. All vessels will follow the lead vessel from the international terminal heading west, turning just in front of the bridge before heading east to pass in front of the coast guard motor lifeboat, where local ministers will bless each vessel.
People can listen to the blessing, broadcast live on AM 1310 KNPT, including commentary from long-standing local fishermen in the Coast guard station about each boat, its history, the families that own it, work on it and the different fisheries they work.
The events of the day end at the Fishermen's Memorial Sanctuary in the Yaquina Bay State Park, with a service remembering fishermen lost at sea while offering support and encouragement to all fishing families.
The Blessing of the Fleet events start at 2 pm with the boat procession and blessings. The barbecue begins at 4 pm at the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center, located at 333 SE Bay Blvd. in Newport, and the memorial service begins at 7 pm at the Fishermen’s Memorial Sanctuary in the Yaquina Bay State Park. For more information, go to newportfishermenswives.com.