Thursday's Blessing of the Fleet to welcome summer, honor maritime traditions

HARBOR SPRINGS — An annual event will return to the shores of Harbor Springs this week, honoring tradition while also preparing boats and boaters for the summer season.

Harbor Springs' Blessing of the Fleet — a parade and event that celebrates the area's maritime history while blessing participating watercraft for a safe boating season — is slated for this Thursday, June 30 in the bay in Harbor Springs. 

"So, 10 years ago we embarked on this boat parade as a way to bring traditions back to the Harbor Springs community," said Harbor Springs Area Historical Society Executive Director Kristyn Balog. 

"It was something we could also offer to the community to participate in for free and as a great way to celebrate the beginning of summer," she said. 

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Balog added that the event follows the society's mission in that it has revived a longtime tradition — a worldwide tradition even — in their local community. 

It's also a way to not only revive traditions but to honor the area's local history and give a voice to those included in the town's history. 

"This event really speaks to a large part of our lifestyle in Northern Michigan, which largely includes water recreation," said Balog.

"However, the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians still have their own blessing ceremony which more traditionally recognizes fishing commerce and they actually kick off our event and parade where they will smudge their jiimaan (canoe) with singers who will perform a ceremonial water song for a safe season on the water," she said. 

At the time this story was written, the event and parade had about 50 boats registered to participate. However, Balog is expecting over 140 participating boats to fill the waterfront to take part in the festivities. 

This year, Balog explained, the event will have both Father James from Holy Childhood of Jesus Church and bishop Jeffery Walsh joining and blessing each boat that passes by in the parade.

The upcoming Blessing of the Fleet kicks off at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 30 and is actually the culmination of a week of events put on by the society. 

Both today, Wednesday, June 29 and Thursday, June 30, those interested are still able to take part in free dockside hands-on tours of the Schooner Madeline between 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Reservations are not required but it is encouraged to call (231) 526-9771 to schedule a tour.

Wednesday also gives people a chance to step aboard the historic Canim and Eleganté yachts at 5 p.m. This specific event is ticketed with limited space but gives ticket holders entry to the yachts, a cocktail party and a commemorative gift. 

Similarly, during the Blessing of the Fleet event on Thursday, tickets are available for those interested to cruise on board the Isle Royale Queen III. Tickets give people the chance to view the event from the yacht while enjoying a full-service bar and snacks.

Tickets for both the Wednesday and Thursday offerings are available online at www.harborspringshistory.org. More information on all Blessing of the Fleet week events and on society offerings can also be found at the same website.

"It's been a great week and we are excited to see everyone out again for the culmination of it all with the blessings and parade," said Balog. 

"It's always a great community event and something to look forward to each year," she said. 

Contact reporter Sean Miller at smiller@petoskeynews.com. Follow him on Twitter, @seanmillerpnr, and Instagram, @sean_everest.