Blessing of the Fleet to Celebrate Fishing Industry This Weekend

CHATHAM – A ceremony on Saturday will celebrate an industry which is nearly synonymous with Cape Cod.

The 8^th Annual Chatham Blessing of the Fleets, an event put together by the Women of Fishing Families (WOFF), will take place at the Chatham Fish Pier from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The blessing is open to those of all creeds and is meant to be more of a celebration of the Cape’s rich fishing history than a religious ceremony, according to organizer Karen Murdoch of WOFF.

“The fishing fleet is starting to get ready for the season, and we are so full of pride,” she said.

The blessing will be led by Reverend McGurk of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Chatham.

It will also feature a party with a raw bar, chowder, performances by the band Devil’s Purse, activities for children and more.

The event is free but is a fundraiser for WOFF.

The group is a nonprofit which raises money throughout the year to support local fishing families.

“It’s all about celebrating our community and being grateful,” Murdoch said.

Participants are encouraged to park at the Chatham Elementary School, as there will be a complimentary shuttle service from there to the pier beginning at 10 a.m.