Community Corner
PHOTOS: Blessing of the Fleet
The weather causes cancellation of the Boat Parade on Opening Day
It was a windy blessing of the fleet on Saturday as Suisun City Marina Supervisor, Gus Barkas, along with the Police Chaplain and City Councilman Mike Segala, went through the yearly tradition as much as could be expected given the weather. This year, however, the Annual Boat Parade was cancelled due to turbulent conditions.
“We had it scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.,” said Barkas. “But due to the weather conditions, we had 26-knot southeast winds and we didn’t feel it was very safe to have the parade today.”
The Boat Parade symbolizes the opening of the recreation season and usually occurs simultaneously with the blessing of the fleet. Not wanting to break the tradition, the three men went from boat to boat on the marina to bless them, saying a prayer at each stop.
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“We just go to each individual boat and we call the boat’s name and then we ask for God to protect the boat as it goes in and out of harbor and keep it safe while it’s out there,” said Rick Stonestreet, Suisun City Police Chaplain. “Some are fishing boats so we ask God to bless their fishing season.”
The recreation season typically lasts until September, though if weather permits, it may be extended to November or December. Suisun City is not the only city to have opening day celebrations. Cities across the U.S. participate in blessing of the fleet ceremonies of their own. Mike Segala said the festivities are part of a tradition that he has celebrated in Suisun City for almost 20 years.
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“I might have missed maybe one of the 19 years,” said Segala.