It’s a tradition that started in 1968 in Darien, although it dates back centuries ago to Mediterranean fishing communities where it was hoped a priest’s blessing would ensure a bountiful shrimping season.
The 54th Annual Blessing of the Fleet is on the historic Darien Waterfront this weekend, April 1-3. The three-day festival includes live music, fireworks, boat parade, 5k run, pancake breakfast, kids’ fishing rodeo and rubber duck race. There’s a Jeep Show where prizes are awarded for dirtiest, best sound system and overall.
Shrimp is Georgia’s most valuable seafood crop. In 2021, 2.3 million pounds of shrimp were collected.
– Jan Schroder, The Georgia 100