The Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival anchors a week of activities celebrating the shrimping industry

By Martine Wolfe-Miller, PIO

MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (March 27, 2009) – The Town of Mount Pleasant Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival has grown into such a recognized event over the past two decades, that it has become a destination. Five related events, now taking place prior to the Blessing of the Fleet, are giving residents and visitors a wide choice of activities from which to choose!

On April 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., on the breathtaking grounds of Alhambra Hall and Park, the 22nd Annual Town of Mount Pleasant Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival will conclude a week of activities centering on the shrimping and seafood industries. The festival will feature an impressive shrimp boat parade and blessing ritual, musical entertainment, and award-winning seafood delicacies from local chefs.

“The Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival, a long-standing custom in Mount Pleasant and a favorite of residents and returning visitors, is mixing tradition and innovation this year,” said Community Development Event Planner Su McManus-Frost. “The festival has become more than an afternoon event; it is becoming a destination – anchoring an exciting selection of maritime-themed events. The Blessing of the Fleet is mixing history with fun as it concludes A Week with the Fleet!”

The following events are part of A Week with the Fleet:

Whole Foods Market Cooking Class & Demonstration
Wednesday, April 22 – 6:00 p.m.
www.wholefoods.com
Whole Foods Market will host a cooking and tasting demonstration showcasing a variety of ways to serve shrimp. In-house chefs will prepare recipes featuring this Lowcountry favorite in anticipation of the kick-off of the local shrimping season. Attendees will taste a sampling of the recipes, followed by a Q&A session with the chefs.
Location: Whole Foods Market, 923 Houston Northcutt Blvd. Mount Pleasant. Call (843) 971-7240. Free

Shem Creek – A History of the Creek and Shrimping
Wednesday, April 22 – 10:00 a.m.
Tressy Mellichamp (of the local Magwood shrimping family) committee member of the Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival and co-author of “East Cooper: A Maritime History” will share her personal family photos depicting the history of the creek and shrimping in Mount Pleasant. DNR Assistant Deputy Director David Whitaker will discuss shrimp research and the current status of the shrimping industry. Light refreshments will be provided. Attendees will be eligible to win one of five copies of “East Cooper: A Maritime History” published by Arcadia Publishing.
Location: Thomasena Stokes-Marshall Senior Services Center, Von Kolnitz Road, Mount Pleasant. Call (843) 856-2166. Free

Create a Masterpiece – The Week of the Fleet themes will be: Lowcountry Shrimp and The Blessing of the Fleet
www.BottlesNBrushes.com
Bottles 'n Brushes offers a unique opportunity for adults to complete an acrylic masterpiece in a few hours! A local artist will lead the class through an enjoyable evening of step-by-step painting. No experience necessary. All materials are supplied. Drinks are sold separately.
Tuesday, April 21, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Lowcountry Shrimp painting
Thursday, April 23, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Blessing of the Fleet painting
Located within walking distance to Shem Creek, 424 Broadway Street, Peach Orchard Plaza, Mount Pleasant, SC. Reservations suggested: (843) 345-7365
Fee: $35.00

Taste of Shem Creek
Saturday, April 25
Red’s Ice House on Shem Creek
Come and enjoy local seafood prepared by our local Shrimp Boat Captains.
Fee: Food tickets are available for purchase. Call (843) 388-0003.

BOTF Sunset and Shagging Cruise
Saturday, April 25 – 7:30 to 9:30 P.M.
Departs from Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum
Join the BOTF committee for an evening cruise on the "Spirit of the Lowcountry.” Fine-tune your shagging moves for the BOTF Shag Contest on Sunday. Music provided by the Jim Bowers DJ Group. Tickets: $18. Make your prepaid reservations with Spiritline Cruises at (843)722-BOAT (2628) or (800) 789-3678. This event will sell out so reserve early!
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