Blessing of the Fleet weekend in Galilee

July 28, 2022/RINewsToday

Photo: Narragansett Lions Club

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, food, live music, and people by the thousands. And starting in 2017, it was expanded to 3 days. The Blessing of the Fleet Celebration includes 3 main events.

Events & Dates

Festival (Thursday, July 28, 2022)

Attended by almost 30,000 people each year, the Festival is a major part of our Blessing of the Fleet Celebration. It runs Thursday night through Saturday night.

Here you will find food, offered by the Narragansett Lions Club as well as other food vendors, games, rides, our famous beer tent (we also have wine), plus live music performed by popular local bands.

10-Mile Road Race (Friday, July 29, 2022)

Approximately 3,000 runners, walkers and wheelchair entrants compete on a scenic 10-mile course through historic Narragansett. Racers compete for best in class. The race is certified and is listed as one of the top races of its distance in New England. Entrants hail from all over New England and across the country. The finish line is by The Towers, in Narragansett Pier, next to the Atlantic Ocean and Veterans Memorial Park, site of the Blessing of the Fleet Festival. Participants receive an official Blessing of the Fleet Running Shirt (via mail).

Date: Friday, July 29, 2022
Where: Narragansett, RI
When:
- 5:00PM: Walk Begins
- 6:00PM: Run Begins

Current details about this year’s race will be posted on both the online registration page (linked below in the Race Registration Information section) and our Facebook page.

Blessing of the Fleet (Saturday, July 30, 2022)

At Salty Brine State Beach Parking Lot – adjacent to the Breachway. The Blessing of the Fleet is a colorful event featuring a parade of decorated commercial and recreational watercraft, large and small. 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.