Tag Archives: N.C. Seafood Festival
Norh Carolina: Blessing of the Fleet pays tribute to commercial fishing families
The sun glistened on the rippling waters of Beaufort Inlet, creating a picture-perfect day Sunday for the 26th annual Blessing of the Fleet ceremony, held at Radio Island between Morehead City and Beaufort. Thirty-two commercial fishing vessels slowly made their way by Radio Island as wreaths were thrown into the water. Each wreath represented a commercial fisherman or family member who had died. The solemn procession was a segment of the NC Seafood Festival that honors area commercial fishing families and those who have died while harvesting food from the sea. As well as about 200 people lining the shore to watch the procession, private boaters filled the waterway to pay tribute. 13 photos, >>click to read<< 14:39
Blessing of the Fleet pays tribute to commercial fishing families
The sun broke through the clouds Sunday morning just in time for the start of the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony at the N.C. Port in Morehead City. Thirty commercial fishing vessels slowly made their way by the port as wreaths were thrown in the water. Each wreath represented a commercial fisherman or family member who had died. The solemn procession was a segment of the N.C. Seafood Festival that honors area commercial fishing families and those who have died while harvesting food from the sea. In addition to 200 people lining the shore to watch the procession, private boaters filled the waterway to pay tribute. “As these boats are getting ready to come by, I can’t help but think of those fellas in Florida who have lost everything,” he said. “They just don’t need prayer, they need help. – Guest speaker Zack Davis. 23 Photos, >click to read< 22:17
Community pays tribute to commercial fishing families during annual Blessing of the Fleet
“This is a time when we come together to honor the commercial fishing industry and the lives lost in this dangerous trade,” N.C. Seafood Festival Chairperson Dale Gillikin said to open the ceremony. “I know how much this service means to you, because I know how much it means to me,” she continued. “It brings chills to my spine, 
a warmth to my heart and tears to my eyes. You see, I grew up in a commercial fishing family, so I know how hard it is to work in this industry.” Bradley Styron of Cedar Island, a member of the Carteret County Commercial Fisherman’s Association, threw the wreath, which had a blue ribbon attached. Family members of commercial fishermen who have died this year were invited to surround Mr. Styron as he threw it into the sound. 10 photos, >click to read< 09:59
Blessing of the Fleet ceremony enters 21st year
A popular part of the N.C. Seafood Festival is remembering and recognition of the commercial fishing industry. The Blessing of the Fleet ceremony honors those who work on the water.,,, Kenny Rustick has been a commercial fisherman since he was a small child, fishing with members of his family.,, “It’s got a lot of meaning. It’s a time of year that the fishermen and their families come together and the communities all come together to memorialize the ones that’ve left us,”,,, Mr. Rustick and Mr. Grant were fishing aboard the Mad Lady II last July when the vessel overturned in Pamlico Sound. The men were lost at sea for 14 hours. >click to read< 07:49
Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony to honor fishermen Sunday, in Morehead City
Each October, as the N.C. Seafood Festival comes to a close, fishermen and their families are honored during the Blessing of the Fleet. This year’s ceremony is at 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, at the N.C. State Port, 113 Arendell St., in Morehead City. Fishermen spend long, hard days on the water providing a living for their families, and the ceremony draws attention to the work that these men and women provide for their community. “Every year we gather at the Blessing to honor the men and women who continue to work the water, along with their fathers and grandfathers who went before them,” said Jonathan Robinson, of Atlantic. He is a fisherman, county commissioner and member of the Carteret County Fishermen’s Association. “It is a very special time to those of us who are part of this industry. We hope that somehow this service will inspire the next generation to hold on to this way of life. Read the story here 10:59
Despite Hurricane Joaquin threat, the N.C. Seafood Festival is still on!
As of presstime, the N.C. Seafood Festival is still in full swing despite Hurricane Joaquin that is forecast to be off the coast during the weekend. The N.C. Seafood Festival board of directors held a board meeting with the town council, and Morehead City police and fire departments Wednesday afternoon and discussed the plans for the festival. The board will meet again at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, to determine if there will be any more changes, but as of presstime the festival will go on as planned. Read the rest here 10:40
