A lot of folks not familiar with Maryland’s history or the importance of the seafood industry in Maryland may wonder what the Blessing of the Fleet is. It is a religious celebration of Maryland’s Birthplace, the landmark of St. Clement’s Island, and a blessing of the boats, or fleet, as October 1 generally begins the oyster harvesting season in Maryland.
This year’s blessing of the fleet is October 1-2nd, 2011, at St. Clement’s Island Museum Grounds in Colton’s Point, MD. Tickets are $7 per day, and kids 12 and under get in for free.(admission price includes parking, admission to the museum and boat ride to blackstone lighthouse)
Schedule of Events
Saturday 1 Oct
1200 – Gates open to the public. Boat rides to St. Clement’s Island begin, ATM opens and kid’s games and rides open.
1230 – 1st Band “The Friends of Ray” – Main Stage
1:00 – Super Magic Man Reggie Rice – Kid’s Stage
1:45 – Stuffed Ham Demo – Main Stage Dance Floor
2:15 – 24/7 – Main Stage
Mad Science of South ern Maryland – Kid’s Stage
2:30 – Kiddie Tractor Pull – Kid’s Stage
3:00 – Blue Sky Puppet Theatre – Kid’s Stage
4:00 – Country Memories – Main Stage
Blue Sky Puppet Theatre – Kid’s Stage
5:00 – Blue Sky Puppet Theatre – Kid’s Stage
LAST BOAT FROM THE MAINLAND TO ST. CLEMENT’S ISLAND
6:00 – Super Magic Man – Reggie Rice Illusion Show – Main Stage
Boy’s and Girl’s Bike Giveaway – Main Stage
LAST BOAT FROM ST. CLEMENT’S TO THE MAINLAND
7:30 – The Wanderers – Main Stage
8:15 – The BEST fireworks show in Southern Maryland
8:45 – The Wanderers – Main Stage
10:00 – Festival closes for the night
Face painting and balloon art by Bobby Balloonz, Frank Trossbach’s John Deere display and farm animals, Pony rides by Krazy Kritters 4-H Club.
Sunday 2 October 2011
1000 – Gates open to the public. Boat trips to St. Clement’s Island begin and ATM open. All morning activities at Waterfront Stage.
1030 – Opening Ceremonies with remarks from the Board of County Commissioners
Blessing of the Fleet Mass to be celebrated at Holy Angels Church
1100 – Presentation of the Nine Flags
1130 – Waterman’s Award – Presented by Del. Johnny Wood
1200 – National Anthem and Parade – Waterfront Stage
1230 – The Element of Surprise – Main Stage
Reptile World – Kid’s Stage
1:15 – Rt.5 South – Main Stage
The Funny Magic Dude – Kid’s Stage
1:45 – Reptile World – Kid’s Stage
2:30 – Kiddie Tractor Pull – Kid’s Stage
2:30 – Gracie’s Guys and Gals – Main Stage Dance Floor
3:00 – Sam Grow Band – Main Stage
4:00 – LAST BOAT FROM ST. CLEMENT’S ISLAND TO THE MAINLAND
5:00 – Raffle drawings, event closes.
Blacksmithing demonstrations and branding by Keith Bagley. Oyster tong construction demonstration by Jim Frank. Clydesdale horses presented by Wayne Mast and Sutler Post Farm.
