44th Annual Blessing of the Fleet  
http://www.blessingofthefleetmd.com/

Saturday & Sunday, October 1 & 2, 2011 St. Clement's Island Museum Grounds The Blessing of the Fleet 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. In the early years of the 7th District Optimist Club, Father John J. Madigan, Pastor of Holy Angels Church in Avenue, MD, suggested that there should be an annual event to bless the oyster boats as they began the harvest season, and to celebrate the history of Maryland's Birthplace. The first event saw 700 people attend, but the following year, through help and support from the local community as well as the Maryland Watermen's Association and Harry Lundenberg School of Seamanship, over 5,000 people attended. The Blessing of the Fleet is still celebrated annually each year. This years exciting event is Sat. Oct. 1st and Sunday Oct. 2nd. See the schedule of events at www.BlessingofTheFleetMD.com

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