Salty Brine Beach Parking Lot In Narragansett Closing Saturday For Blessing Of The Fleet

NARRAGANSETT, RI — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) said it will temporarily close the parking lot at Brine State Beach in Narragansett on Saturday for the 51st annual Blessing of the Fleet celebration.

During the Narragansett Lions Club's event the parking lot will be closed from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. DEM officials said the beach will remain open during the parking lot closure.

First held by the Narragansett Lions Club in 1972, the Blessing of the Flee has grown into a multi-day celebration that includes a road race, a festive parade of boats, food, live music, and people usually flocking by the thousands.

This event features a parade of decorated commercial and recreational boats. A local clergyman blesses each vessel as they pass as the spectators along the breachway wave and cheer them on.

Annually, this free event allows the public to learn more about the Port of Galilee, the fishing industry, and the fleet who call the port home.

For more information and a complete listing of Blessing of the Fleet events, please visit the Narragansett Lion Club's website.

Have a news tip? Email jimmy.bentley@patch.com.