BLESSING OF THRE FLEET
April, Darien, GeorgiaAs spring arrives in McIntosh County, Georgia, historical Darien readies itself for its annual three day Blessing of the Fleet Festival in April.
Photo: Shrimp Fleet,
Darien, Georgia
Through time the event has grown, but it retains the core activity of Sunday’s magnificent parade of shrimp trawlers, each approaching the Darien Bridge to obtain blessing for the coming year of fishing. Flags and banners wave, while people cheer and diesel engines rumble. It is truly a sight to behold.
The festival attracts food vendors with delicious offerings, craft vendors with must-have items, a Classic Car Show and a juried art show that draws artistic talent from across the Southeast. Kids’ activities like the Fishing Rodeo and the Shrimpbox Derby, are perennial favorites along with games, boat rides on the scenic marsh and other entertainment.
Speaking of entertainment, you can count on great music at the festival: toe-tapping, feel-good vibes that add just the right note of adult enjoyment at the family event. Enjoy live music on the Waterfront stage Friday and Saturday evenings; with a grand fireworks display closing out Saturday’s entertainment.
The 5K River Run/Walk is slated for early Saturday morning. The race starts off with a musket bang, courtesy of Fort King George Historical Site.
The vendor booths and activities will open at 10am and remain open until 10pm Saturday. There’s nothing like strolling under the stately oaks in a beautiful city park, listening to live entertainment and viewing beautiful artwork. Art in the Park is a two-day event, running from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday in Vernon Square, just a few steps from the waterfront.
Other activities include a street parade Saturday morning on Highway 17 and the local talent showcase of dancers, singers and bands on Darien’s Waterfront Park stage from 11am to 4pm Saturday. And who wants to miss the Shrimp Eating Contest, scheduled for 5pm at the Waterfront Main Stage. All age categories will be awarded prizes and registration begins at 4pm.
The festival takes place in historic downtown Darien on Fort King George Drive at Highway #17 or just off I-95 at Exit 49. See why 35,000 visitors of past festivals recognized Darien’s Blessing of the Fleet as one of the TEN BEST in Georgia.
Race applications are available at the Regional Visitor Canter in Preferred Outlets. For more information or to register online, visit: www.blessingofthefleet.com
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