Bayfield, WI honors its maritime heritage with the <i>Blessing of the Fleet</i> ceremony

Bayfield honors its rich maritime heritage
with the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony on June 12th

History comes to life on Sunday, June 12th with Bayfield's traditional Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony. In the late 1950's, Bayfield inaugurated the Blessing of the Fleet to honor local fishing families, who formed the backbone of the area's economy. Today, many businesses still count on Lake Superior's bounty for their livelihood. Although they now share the waters with a multitude of new vessels: charter fishing services, sightseeing tours, pleasure boaters, kayaks, sailboats and government craft, the pulse of the commercial fishing industry still runs strong in Bayfield, and it's citizens are proud to honor this vital part of their Lake Superior Heritage.

The ecumenical Blessing service will begin at 1:00pm on Sunday, June 12th at the Memorial Park Gazebo, directly across from the Pier Plaza restaurant. After this short, non-denominational service, attendees will have the opportunity to head down onto the harbor breakwater and watch as commercial fishing boats, sailboats, power boats, rowboats, kayaks, and even canoes pass by the the tip of the pier. Local clergymen will grant each vessel a blessing for safe passage and a prosperous season on Lake Superior by way of pine bough dipped in the waters of Lake Superior.

A special musical event celebrating the Blessing of the Fleet will take place on Saturday, June 11th, from 5:00pm-6:15 pm, at the Christ Episcopal Church in Bayfield. Featured will be the Duluth-based Gichigami Trio, joined by guest musicians Betty Braunstein, Vince Osborne, and Ron Karito, "performing music inspired by water, fortitude, courage, conviviality, tenacity, and ships." In keeping with tradition, there is no admission charge, but free will offerings are encouraged and gratefully accepted. This event will kick off the season of ?Summer (Mostly) Thursdays? concerts, a much anticipated annual concert series, featuring musicians from throughout the Chequamegon Bay performing at local venues. For a schedule of performances, visit ?Summer (Mostly) Thursdays? concerts online at www.bayfieldsummermusic.org.

All boaters and recreational water users in the Chequamegon Bay are invited to participate in the Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony. The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary will direct the boats through the harbor via marine radio, and the USCG will be present to ensure the safety of all vessels involved. This event is weather dependent. Interested boaters can download a Blessing of the Fleet registration form online, or pick one up at the Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau, 42 South Broad Street, Bayfield, WI. Contact Erin at (715) 779-3335 with any questions concerning participation.