The Gig Harbor Blessing of the Fleet is an important part of the Maritime Gig Festival. This will be the 54th year the Blessing of the Fleet has been given by St. Nicholas Catholic Church Priests and Deacons. Fleet blessing rituals goes back many centuries to Mediterranean fishing communities. The practice began as predominantly Catholic, but continues by many Christians religions. It usually involves a blessing from the local priest or pastors that is meant to ensure a safe and bountiful season.
This year's festival is a two-day Maritime Fesival, held on June 1st and 2nd 2024, will host a variety of family-friendly events for the whole family. A procession of Knights and parishoners will start at the old St. Nicholas church on Sunday, June 2nd, at 1pm and proceed down to Skansie Brothers park. The priest, Deacon and Sir Knights will board boats and circle the harbor blessing first the fishing vessels bound for Alaska, then all other water craft in the area wanting to be blessed.
The St. Nicholas Knights will also host a food booth on June 2nd at Skansie Park. Volunteers will be needed from 6 am to 4:30 pm.
An informational video about the blessing can be found here and a calendar of the Maritime Festival events can be found here.