The Blessing of the Fleet is an annual festival that the Darien-McIntosh County Chamber of Commerce hosts to celebrate our biggest industry, shrimping. This three day fun-filled event consists of an art show, various food and drink vendors, arts and crafts, a YMCA 5K, children's activities, a classic car show, nightly live entertainment and a marine parade. The chamber will be offering a FREE shuttle service on Saturday (04/08/17) from 9am to 11pm from the Outlet Center near I-95 in 15 minute increments. Parking in free!
On Sunday we Bless our shrimpboat captains with a safe and prosperous season. Darien's Blessing of the Fleet is the largest on the East Coast! This weekend long festival is a great celebration of food, family and fun that usually draws in a crowd of 30,000+ throughout the weekend. We welcome you to come and join in our fellowship!
The cost for entry each day is $5 per person and children up to the age of 13 get in for free. Sunday is free to everyone. You may bring coolers in for a fee of $10 a piece.
Blessing Of The Fleet Event Details
Art in the Park: McIntosh Art Association presents "Art In The Park" a two-day event taking place in lovely historical Vernon Square in Darien, GA from 10am-5pm on Saturday and Sunday, April 8th and 9th, 2017.
Street Parade: The parade steps off at 10:00am and you can grab a spot anywhere along Hwy. 17 from the Darien Bridge to Hwy 251 to get a glimpse of the awesome floats, marching bands, local businesses and individuals representing the Blessing of the Fleet Street Parade!
Blessing of the Feet 5K: This event will be held on Saturday, April 8 at 8am. Sponsored by the McIntosh County YMCA.
Marine Parade Join us in the largest shrimpoat Blessing on the East Coast! Help us wish the shrimp boats and crews a successful year out on the sea!
Car Show: Top 30, Best of Show, etc. Vendors, music, door prizes, dash plaques, goody bags, parade. Saturday 9am-3pm hosted by the Classic Coastal Cruisers of Darien. Registration $20 with proceeds going to local charities.
Fishing Rodeo: Sign your son or daughter up to compete in the Annual Fishing Rodeo! They will be given a rod and bait then set loose. Held at the Tidwaters Industrial Complex. There will be winners in for each gender in categories such as biggest fish, smallest fish, most fish, etc.
Blessing Of The Fleet Schedule Of Events
Friday, April 7, 2017
5:00 pm - Gates Open
5:00 pm - 10:00 pm - Vendor Booths Open/Car Show opens
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm - The Swinging Medallions
Saturday, April 8, 2017
8:00 am - YMCA Blessing of the Feet 5K
10:00 am - 9:00 pm - Vendor Booths Open
10:00 am - 5:00 pm - Art in the Park in Vernon Square
10:00 am - Street Parade
11:00 am - Classic Car Show
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm - Community Stage
2:30 pm-4:00 pm - Children's Fishing Rodeo
6:00 pm until - The Tams
Sunday, April 9, 2017
10:00 am - 5:00 pm - Art in the Park in Vernon Square
11:00 am - 5:00 pm - Vendor Booths Open
12:00 pm - Worship Service & Gospel Singing on Waterfront Stage
2:00 pm - Shrimp Boat Blessing Marine Parade
4:00 pm- Boat Parade Awards Presentation