R esidents of Georgetown celebrated the 10th annual Blessing of the
Fleet last Sunday at Five Islands Wharf, with a day of music, food and family fun and games.
The event started in solemnity with a blessing offered by Five Islands Baptist Church pastor Barry Moore, who recited the names of all the community members who passed away over the course of the year.
A locally made wreath was tossed into the water by Five Islands Wharf and Lauren Crosby sang the national anthem.
“Lauren is a professional singer now, but she’s a hometown girl,” said Reece, “and to hear her sing the anthem brought tears to my eyes.”
After the blessing, the fun and games began in earnest, said Reece, including an ever-popular lobster crate race.
“One girl made it all the way across,” said Reece. “You could hear a roar of clapping from the wharf, and people shouting, ‘Go, go, go!’”
Georgetown Fire and Rescue and Community Center collaborated with the Recreation Committee to put on the event, and even Elvis made an appearance, Reece said.
“Angus Crosby, one of our local fishermen was our Lobsterman Elvis,” said Reece. “He’s always up to something — every year he has something cooking for the Blessing.”
Approximately 300 people attended the event and nearly 25 boats participated in the harbor boat parade.
“It’s a fun event to organize,” said Reece, “and local people as well as people from nearby towns often tell us that it is their favorite time of year, the Blessing of the Fleet.”
The Recreation Committee is a six-member municipal committee that organizes recreational events and programs for the town, including the annual “Get to Know Your Neighbor Party,” which takes place in March, and the December Christmas tree lighting at Five Islands Wharf.
For more information about the Recreation Committee or to get involved, contact Mary McDonald at the town office at [email protected].
rgargiulo@timesrecord.com
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