Traditional Blessing of the Fleet

Traditional Blessing of the Fleet

*** To Be Live Streamed on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/putinbayislandguide ***

Seafarers from across generations have all taken part in a Blessing of the Fleet ceremony since days gone by. There is something mystifying about the time-honored traditions passed down from generation to generation within the seaport communities. Put-in-Bay Ohio locals and visitors alike join together to offer a blessing to the various seafaring vessels among the island’s fleet. This tradition is in place to safeguard the vessels against the coming year’s storms and protect the fleet, the passengers, and the crew from harm. Put-in-Bay’s local clergy from St Paul’s Church and Mother of Sorrows Church will be present to bless the many vessels that serve South Bass Island.

The modern celebration of Mother’s Day, as we know it, began in the United States, inspired by Anna Jarvis in the early 1900s. Motivated by her mother’s passing in 1905, Jarvis aimed to pay tribute to her own mother and the selfless acts of all mothers towards their children. She successfully organized the inaugural Mother’s Day event in 1908 at a church in Grafton, West Virginia. Her relentless advocacy for the day to be recognized nationally bore fruit when President Woodrow Wilson declared the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day in 1914. Today, Mother’s Day is observed all around the globe, albeit on different dates and in various manners, but the core idea of honoring motherhood remains unchanged; a celebration where children give presents to their mothers.

Annual Blessing of the Fleet Vessels

  • Rescue Vessels and Coast Guard
  • Travel Vessels – Ferry Boats and water taxis
  • Medical Helicopters
  • Commercial watercraft and aircraft

There is no better place to see the variety of that service the Lake Erie Islands all in one place. This community event is enjoyable for all ages, so bring your little ones. There will be fresh coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies on the dock along with friendly camaraderie and well wishes.

Local Dining

Once the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony has concluded make sure to explore all that Put-in-Bay has to offer! With a variety of places to eat and attractions to experience, you will not be disappointed. Stop by the Biergarten at the Boathouse and grab a cold beer and a Bratwurst or a Bavarian pretzel. Yum! If beer isn’t your thing head over to the Boardwalk Restaurant. Here you will find a wide variety of dining options for any appetite. You can dine out on the main deck, at eateries such as the Fish Shak. Fish caught daily from Lake Erie are served fresh in a variety of menu options, guaranteed to make seafood lovers happy. If you would rather an indoor dining experience, trek up to the upper deck. Here you can enjoy a nice sit-down meal with a variety of seafood, steak, and other options.

You don’t want to postpone your Put-in-Bay vacation plans any further, head over to the lodging resource page to secure your accommodations for this special weekend of Blessing the Fleet.

* This is a Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce sponsored event *