Community Members Celebrate 24th Annual Blessing of the Fleet

Trinidad, Ca. (KIEM) — Up in Trinidad, not only is Thursday a day for giving thanks, but also to bless fisherman and their crews. The 24th annual blessing of the fleet kicked off Thursday morning at the harbor lookout in Trinidad at 10 am.

It’s an opportunity for residents to come together to bless fishermen, their families and the coast guard for their safety out on the ocean.

Alex Lindgren III gave a traditional native blessing facing to the four directions, followed up by a blessing from an officiant Dana Hope. Captains of the different boats were gifted buoy sticks with letters and other small trinkets for them to have when they go out to sea.

According to one of the organizers, the event is all about evoking a sense of community for members of the fishing town. The blessing of the fleet happens every year on thanksgiving morning and the start of the crab season.