Colton’s Point, MD — It was started 47 years ago by a small start-up community organization to recognize the beginning of the oyster season and to create awareness about the importance of Maryland’s founding spot, St. Clement’s Island. This weekend the tradition continued as perfect weather drew near record crowds to the grounds of the St. Clements Island Museum in Colton’s Point.

In the early days all of the events for the Blessing of the Fleet were held on the island. But Navy landing craft, used to deliver supplies to the island, were called to duty during the First Gulf War and so the event was transferred to the museum grounds.

But the island in the background was always one of the prime purposes for the event. This year for the second time recently a Catholic Mass was said on the island. Free boats trips were offered as part of the admission to the Blessing of the Fleet.

The mass was celebrated by Father Charles Cortinovis, pastor of Holy Angels and Sacred Heart parishes and Father Charlie Gallagher, administrator of Our Lady of the Wayside Church. Father Cortinovis, in his homily, noted the uncertainty facing the settlers who landed on the island on March 25, 1634 and the missionary zeal of their priest Father Andrew White, who said the first mass in the colony on that very spot.

Sunday’s events included the annual parade, which this year was filled with candidates for the Nov. 4 election, along with the bands from the county’s three high schools and police, fire and rescue units.

Buddy Thompson, a life-long waterman, was inducted as the 18th member of the Ancient Order of the Waterman in a ceremony attended by Sen. Roy Dyson, Del. John Wood and St. Mary’s County Commissioner President Francis “Jack’ Russell. Wood was also honored for service as a state delegate. He is retiring at the end of the year.

Saturday’s events included a performance by the Sam Grow Band and fireworks in the evening.

The museum grounds were filled both days with food and drink vendors, children’s activities and an arts and crafts tent.

That small organization, now much larger but no less dedicated, the Seventh District Optimist Club is still running the event 47 years later. It is the organization’s major fundraiser to support its numerous youth activities. For more information of the club go to www.7thdistrictoptimist.org