Blessing of the Fleet
June 13, 2010 at 1:00pm
Lake Superior is Bayfield's lifeblood. The Lake has drawn countless people to this area, from the Ojibwe, to the fur traders and missionaries, to commercial fishermen, and finally to tourists and pleasure boaters. In the late 1950's Bayfield inaugurated the Blessing of the Fleet to honor its fishing families who formed the backbone of the area's economy.
In the 1800's fishing was second only to logging as Bayfield's main industry. Millions of pounds of trout, whitefish and herring were harvested and exported throughout the United States. Although commercial fishing has declined since its early boom, many families still count on Lake Superior's bounty for their livelihood. They now share the waters with a multitude of new vessels: charter fishing services, sightseeing tours, pleasure boaters, kayaks, canoes, and government craft.
The Blessing of the Fleet ceremony lapsed during the late eighties and into the nineties, but it was revived in 1997 to a warm welcome from the Apostle Islands community. The pulse of the commercial fishing industry still runs strong in Bayfield, and its citizens are proud to honor this vital part of their Lake Superior Heritage.
History comes to life with the traditional Blessing Ceremony on Sunday at 1:00pm: commercial fishing boats, tugs, powerboats, sailboats, excursion and transportation craft, and rowboats parade through Bayfield's City Harbor. As they pass by the tip of the pier, clergy from the Apostle Islands community grant each vessel a blessing for safe passage and a prosperous season on Lake Superior.
All boats in the Chequamegon Bay area are invited to participate in the ecumenical service and Blessing Ceremony. The United States Coast Guard will direct the boats through the harbor via marine radio and/or megaphone. Boaters with questions concerning participation in this historic parade should contact the Bayfield Chamber of Commerce at (715) 779-3335 or (800) 447-4094.
