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The weekend’s weather suffered from a bipolar disease that affected the many scheduled activities in Southern Maryland. The 45th Annual Blessing of the Fleet in Colton’s Point was no exception. But the organizers managed to forge ahead on Sunday to get in the parade and Waterman of the Year ceremony as the cool rain subsided in the early afternoon.

The parade featured county high school bands, floats with politicians and civic organizations, fire and rescue units, and a number of other participants.

Waterman of the Year honors was bestowed on Robert “Bobby” McKay, Sr. of Ridge, who at 78 is still working the water. Master of Ceremonies for the event, Del. John Wood (D: 29A) also recognized McKay’s wife Marian, who ran the dry land portion of the McKay’s seafood business and raised their six children.

Also attending the ceremony were several previous recipients of the award and family members of deceased watermen.

The Blessing of the Fleet is sponsored by the Seventh District Optimist Club and proceeds go to the organization’s many youth activities.