OWL VFD to Help Celebrate 20th Annual Blessing of the Fleet
Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department is proud to participate in the 20th annual Blessing of the Fleet. The Occoquan River Maritime Association(ORMA) is sponsoring the event. More than 150 recreational boats are anticipated to take part in the event, including:
- The Town of Occoquan
- Fairfax, Occoquan, and Prince William Yacht Clubs
- Belmont Bay, Hoffmasters, Holly Acres, Occoquan Harbour, and Prince William Marinas
- Coast Guard Auxiliary
- Potomac Marine-Tow Boat/US
- Fairfax and Prince William public safety agencies
The Blessing of the Fleet is a free event open to all boats in the area. It draws from a fleet of some 2,500 boats on the Occoquan River and thousands more in neighboring areas.
Pat Croft
The 20th anniversary of the Blessing of the Fleet will be dedicated to the loving memory of Pat Croft. Pat volunteered her time and passion to ORMA for many years. To honor her colorful spirit, everyone is highly encouraged to decorate their boats for the event.
Fireboats and first responders will cruise past the Town of Occoquan at approximately 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 15. Then, they proceed downriver past the Blessing Boat, Rhumb Line, to be blessed by clergy. Boats can register to win prizes by clicking on the blue sign-up button on the ORMA Facebook page or by using this Google form. This event is free to all.
Interested spectators can view first responder boats from land at Town of Occoquan’s dock at Mamie Davis Park. Spectators can also watch from the shores of Occoquan Park, or any of the restaurants/marinas along the Occoquan River.
ORMA was established in 1999 to assist business, yacht clubs, and recreational boaters relating to navigation, ecology, environmental preservation, and boating safety/education. In addition to coordinating the annual Blessing of the Fleet, ORMA has played a role in keeping the Occoquan River Channel navigable.
For more information on the Occoquan River Maritime Association, visit ORMA’s Facebook page.