Berkeley Shores' 20th Annual 'Blessing Of The Fleet' Coming Up On Sunday

The Berkeley Shores Homeowners and Civic Association’s Blessing of the Fleet has become a Bayville tradition and a welcome prelude to the summer season.

This year the Association will mark the 20th anniversary of the event. Boaters who want to participate should gather off Amherst Beach in Barnegat Bay at noon, then head out to east of Buoy #39 for the commemoration ceremony for past and present veterans, said Association President Fred Bekiarian.

The Central Regional JROTC will present the colors on the water and Taps will be played as a wreath is laid on the waters. Participants are also encouraged to lay a rose or carnation on the water.

A picnic lunch with hot dogs and hamburgers will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Amherst Beach after the blessing and the commemoration ceremony, he said.

Boat participants can monitor VHF Channel 69 for official parade instructions on the day of the parade. The rain date is May 25.

Click here to download the Boat Parade Float Plan and Map