Ten years ago, the Harbor Springs Area Historical Society launched a boat parade to celebrate the area’s maritime history; the parade includes blessing each of the parading watercraft for a safe boating season. Having never seen a Blessing of the Fleet, we decided to head to Harbor Springs to observe the event. It was much livelier than expected with watercraft of every shape and size – and the Harbor Springs Community Band accompanying the festivities. Father James and Bishop Walsh stood on the deck of a ship in the middle of the harbor, blessing each boat as it sailed/paddled/motored by with the band on the dock playing all the while – lots of Sousa! And some sing-alongs (YMCA, Sweet Caroline…)!. The parade concluded with the dropping of a wreath into the harbor.
 |
| Band at the ready |
 |
| Pastors at the ready |
Here they come! Kayaks leading the way - followed by sailing school boats being pulled along in a tidy little sailboat line and larger boats parading along the bay behind them.
.jpg)
Everywhere lots of flags and bunting. Definitely a festive occasion.
The parade finished up with the yachts – this the “Elegante” with the person on board who would be laying the wreath.
.jpg)
.jpg)
A way fun evening! How can you beat it - boats and Sousa!
No comments:
Post a Comment