With summer holding on with a calendar-defying effort, a free ride to an island was just the thing. The weekend long 46trh Annual Blessing of the Fleet offered free rides to St. Clement’s Island, site of the Maryland colonists’ first landing. The annual event takes place on the grounds of the St. Clement’s Island Museum which tells the story of Maryland’s early days and of life on the water.
Life on the water, a celebration of the beginning of the oyster season, was the original reason for the Seventh District Optimist Club starting the event, which raises money for their youth activities.
The blessing of the fleet by Rev. Charles Cortinovis of Sacred Heart Church in Bushwood took place Saturday afternoon. On Saturday evening a fireworks shows was sandwiched between performances by the popular Sam Grown Band.
Sunday’s event was highlighted by the presentation of the 17th Annual Loyal Order of the Watermen award to Bobby Bowes of Tall Timbers. A parade featuring the county’s three high school bands and a number of other participants followed the awards ceremony/.
Both days were packed with entertainment, arts and crafts exhibits, plenty of food and drinks (to cool down). Port of Leonardtown and Slack wineries offered samples of their products.
And of course there was that refreshing boat ride to the island where the reconstructed Blackistone Lighthouse could be toured and the history of the hallowed ground could be absorbed and the majestic Potomac River to be admired.
