April 2019 Blessing of the Fleet-
Getting ready for our third year! The first two years were a huge success.We are looking forward to next years event!
Come join us for the third Blessing of the Fleet to take place in Grant-Valkaria. Treasure Coast Marina hosts this event to celebrate the rich tradition of commercial fishing on which the Towns of Grant and Valkaria were founded at the turn of the last century.
Fleet Blessing ceremonies have a long history, beginning in the Mediterranean area of Europe and coming to America with the immigrants who founded the coastal fishing towns and villages here. It has become a festival and a party! Boats come to a central location to receive a Clerical Blessing of safe passage and bountiful catches. The boats are decorated (or not) and pass by a member of the clergy to receive the prayer and blessing before the celebration begins!
We would love for you to bring your boat and join us for our blessing and celebration.
April is the month.... date to be determined - Boats (decorated or not) gather outside the marina basin, and anchor to hear the service and the prayer. Then they proceed single file down the marina channel to the Clergy Stand at the Fuel Dock to receive the blessing, turn there and go back out the channel. The QUEEN'S BOAT, carrying the Queen and her Court, will lead the procession into the marina basin. The service will begin at 10AM. Suggest you arrive an hour before to position your boat and receive instructions.
PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED FOR THE BEST THREE DECORATED BOATS! Best Boat over 25', Best Boat under 24' and Honorable Mention
If you wish your boat to be in the judging competition, you must preregister prior to the date of the blessing to receive a judges number to display on your boat! Please come to the marina office to register!
Fleet Blessing ceremonies have a long history, beginning in the Mediterranean area of Europe and coming to America with the immigrants who founded the coastal fishing towns and villages here. It has become a festival and a party! Boats come to a central location to receive a Clerical Blessing of safe passage and bountiful catches. The boats are decorated (or not) and pass by a member of the clergy to receive the prayer and blessing before the celebration begins!
We would love for you to bring your boat and join us for our blessing and celebration.
April is the month.... date to be determined - Boats (decorated or not) gather outside the marina basin, and anchor to hear the service and the prayer. Then they proceed single file down the marina channel to the Clergy Stand at the Fuel Dock to receive the blessing, turn there and go back out the channel. The QUEEN'S BOAT, carrying the Queen and her Court, will lead the procession into the marina basin. The service will begin at 10AM. Suggest you arrive an hour before to position your boat and receive instructions.
PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED FOR THE BEST THREE DECORATED BOATS! Best Boat over 25', Best Boat under 24' and Honorable Mention
If you wish your boat to be in the judging competition, you must preregister prior to the date of the blessing to receive a judges number to display on your boat! Please come to the marina office to register!
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