A Bayfield Maritime Tradition Continues-community celebrates the beginning of summer with the Blessing of the Fleet

Harbor community celebrates the beginning of summer with the Blessing of the Fleet

History comes to life on Sunday, June 13th 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 1:00 pm on Sunday at the Memorial Park Gazebo, directly across from the Pier Plaza restaurant. After this short service, attendees will have the opportunity to head down onto the Bayfield City Dock. As participating boaters 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.

This year's Blessing coincides with two special community events. The Bayfield Presbyterian Church will be sponsoring a Blessing of the Fleet Concert, performed by the Gichigami Trio from Duluth, at 5:00 pm on Saturday, June 12th. In addition, a fundraising brunch buffet for CORE Community Resources, will be held at the Bayfield Inn, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Sunday, June 13th. CORE Community Resources is a non-profit organization that helps seniors stay independent, active and valued members of the Bayfield area community. bayfield and lake superior

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 Auxillary 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 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.