Annual Blessing of the Fleet on the Occoquan River

On May 21, 2022, Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department will assist with the Annual Blessing of the Fleet on the Occoquan River. The Occoquan River Maritime Association (ORMA) is sponsoring the free event that is open to all local boaters.

At approximately 9:00 a.m., OWL VFD’s Boat 502 and 512 will begin leading participating boats upriver, passing Belmont Bay Harbor Marina and proceeding towards the Town of Occoquan. At approximately 10:00 a.m., the OWL VFD boats will turn around near the Occoquan Town Dock and then provide a water spray demonstration as the rest of the vessels pass by to go back downriver towards Belmont Bay Harbor Marina where the blessing boat will be docked.

Spectators can view the event from land at the Town of Occoquan’s dock at Mamie Davis Park or from the shores of Occoquan Park and any of the restaurants/marinas along the Occoquan River.

This annual event kicks off the boating season. The Blessing of the Fleet is a centuries-old tradition. Receiving a blessing from the local Clergy was meant to ensure a safe and prosperous season.

This year’s event is dedicated in memory of ORMA Treasurer, Joe Livingston. Livingston was a Captain on the waterways for over 50 years and actively participated in many yacht clubs and water-related organizations throughout Virginia and Maryland.

Established in 1999, ORMA is a committee of representatives from marinas and yacht clubs located along the Occoquan River. The association has played an important role in keeping the Occoquan River Channel navigable.

For more information about the event, visit ORMA’s Facebook page.