Saturday July 25 12.30pm

The annual Blessing of Nelson’s Fishing Fleet is scheduled for this Saturday (July 25), aiming to link the people of Nelson with fishing industry and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives at sea.

Seafarers’ Memorial Trust spokesman Mike Smith says there will again be fireworks on Friday night (July 24), as introduced last year, with viewing from the waterfront and the port hills. Flares will be set off from 6.30pm, followed by fireworks at 6.45pm.

On Saturday at 1pm Bishop Richard Ellena, Reverend Jeff Cotton and Father David Gruscol. will take the blessing service, with fishing boats lined up in front of the Seafarers’ Memorial on Wakefield Quay.

Music will be provided by the Nelson Male Voice Choir, the Hira School choir, lone piper Perry Smith and the Nelson City Brass Band and there will be a release of pigeons at the end of the service.

“This annual event is now in its ninth year and is held by the Seafarers Memorial Trust to commemorate those who have lost their lives at sea and to bless the fishing fleet at the start of the hoki season,” Mr Smith said. “We always get a good response from the public – it is a link that demonstrates the contribution of the fishing and seafood industry to this community.”

With the help of the Rotary Club of Nelson, the trust will be offering scallop and fish picnic lunches for a $2 donation per serving and barbecued mussels for $1 a serving. There will be an auction of the Catch of the Day - fresh fish and mussels unloaded at the Sunderland Marine Pier will go under the hammer shortly after the blessing ceremony, with proceeds going to the Seafarers’ Trust.

Other highlights include a tug display from Port Nelson and a man overboard drill involving the Ocean Ranger, Nelson Surf Life Saving and the Summit Rescue Helicopter. Plus there will be loud and colourful day-time mescalita fireworks.

Although the Blessing of the Fleet is a free community event, the public will be asked to make a small donation to the Seafarers’ Memorial Trust to be used in community projects.

If Saturday is wet the Blessing of the Fleet will be held on Sunday 26 July Postponement will be broadcast on Radio Nelson stations (ie Newstalk, Classic Hits etc.)

ENDS

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