Stonington's annual Blessing of the Fleet returns July 23-26 for a series of events celebrating the town's fishing heritage, honoring its commercial fishermen and continuing one of its most cherished traditions.
The St. Mary Church Blessing of the Fleet takes place Sunday, July 26, beginning with the Fishermen's Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Church, celebrated by the Most Rev. Richard F. Reidy, Bishop of Norwich, and the Rev. Dennis Perkins, pastor of St. Mary and St. Michael Churches. Following Mass, a procession will make its way through Stonington Borough. Visitors are encouraged to gather along Water Street, Main Street, Wadawanuck Square, and near St. Mary Church to view the procession.
The procession will end at the Town Dock, where Bishop Reidy will bless local fishing vessels, a tradition that honors all fishermen who have lost their lives at sea while offering prayers for fair weather and a bountiful catch for the year ahead.
Following the blessing, the fishing vessels proceed to the breakwater for one of the day's most meaningful traditions: the placement of a wreath in the shape of a broken anchor in remembrance of those who have lost their lives at sea. The event continues from noon to 4 p.m. at the Town Dock with food, music and family-friendly activities.
The grand marshal of the procession this year is Jeff Hoadley, outgoing fire chief and fire marshal of the Borough of Stonington. Hoadley retired on July 4 after 35 years as chief and with 52 years of service.
The festivities begin Thursday, July 23, with the Blessing of the Fleet 5K and 2-Mile Walk. The 6 p.m. event welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and officially kicks off the annual Blessing of the Fleet celebration.
On Saturday, July 25, visitors are invited to Meet the Fleet from noon to 4 p.m. at the Stonington Town Dock. Guests can meet local fishermen, step aboard working commercial fishing vessels, and learn about Southern New England's commercial fishing industry from the people who make their living on the water. Visitors can also enjoy hands-on marine activities with NESS, including touch tanks, fish printing, and crab races, along with a U.S. Coast Guard display, Ninigret Nectars' raw bar, Scoop T's Ice Cream Truck and live music from 2-4 p.m., and more.
Saturday's celebration continues from 4-8 p.m. at the Portuguese Holy Ghost Society with food, music and community. Portuguese food, seafood chowder, and grilled favorites will be available for purchase while the T-Tones perform on the bandstand. Blessing of the Fleet merchandise and Portuguese sweetbread will also be available for purchase.
For information on the Blessing of the Fleet 5K Road Race and 2-Mile, go to runreg.com/blessingofthefleet5k
Stonington Blessing of the Fleet on Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560576658499
Stonington Blessing of the Fleet at St. Michael/St. Mary Churches: stmichaelpawcatuck.com/ministries-organizations/blessing-of-the-fleet/