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Blessing of the Fleet 3-day event
The Blessing of the Fleet parade of decorated commercial and recreational watercraft, large and small will take place this year on Saturday, July 24th. But that’s just part of the Narragansett Lions Club 3-day event. Features are a certified road race, a festival parade of boats, food events, live music events, and over 30,000 attendees expected.
The pinnacle is always at the Sunday blessing when a local clergyman blesses each and every vessel as they pass as the spectators along the breachway wave and cheer them on. There is also an optional boat decoration contest, should captains wish to participate.
Good News about the weather for this weekend – expected to be picture perfect!
A summary of the 3 main events: Click on the links for details
Festival (Thursday, July 22-24)
10-Mile Road Race In-Person: Friday, July 23. Virtual: Friday, July 23 – Sat, July 30,
Blessing of the Fleet (Saturday, July 24)
- Festival Dates & Times:
- Thursday, July 22, 2021, 5:00PM – 10:30PM with band Rug Burn
- Friday, July 23, 2021 , 5:00PM – 11:00PM with band The Heavy Rescue Band
- Saturday, July 24, 2021, 12:00PM – 11:00PM with band Steve Smith and the Nakeds
- Where: Memorial Square (Next to the Towers) in Narragansett, RI
Saturday’s Festival includes Walking Tours & Educational Demonstrations at 10am, the AOH Pipe & Drums Parade at 11:30am and the Blessing begins at noon. At 5pm there will be a dedication of new Veterans Memorial honoring the war Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan at Veterans Memorial Park.
The Road Race on Friday has many details which are being updated continuously at the Lions Facebook page. There is also an FAQ page, here: https://narragansettlionsclub.org/Page/70477~769464/Blessing-of-the-Fleet-Celebration.
The Narragansett Lions Club held its first Blessing of the Fleet in the summer of 1972. Back in 1972, this was a 1-day event held in Galilee. Over the years, it grew into a beloved 2-day festival that includes a certified road race, a festive parade of boats, great food, live music, and people by the thousands making wonderful new memories. And starting in 2017, it was expanded to 3 days!
