Bless is more
Set a course for Newport for the Blessing of the Fleet
Newport’s community pride and working waterfront heritage will be on full display when the Loyalty Days and Sea Fair Festival returns with parades, music, family activities and the annual Blessing of the Fleet this Friday, May 1, through Sunday, May 3.
Festivities begin Friday with a veterans’ lunch at noon at the Newport 60+ Activity Center, followed by the Loyalty Days Coronation at 7 pm at the Newport Elks Lodge.
Saturday events continue with a fun run at 11:45 am near Highway 101 and NW 20th Street, followed by the Loyalty Days Parade at noon.
A concert by the 234th Army Band at 2 pm will kick off the Cinco de Mayo celebration at the Newport Armory, see more on page 22.
Sunday focuses on one of Newport’s most treasured maritime traditions as Newport Fishermen’s Wives again presents the Blessing of the Fleet. The community ceremony honors local fishermen and their families while welcoming any vessel owners wishing to receive blessings for fishing boats, charter vessels, pleasure craft or research vessels.
The Blessing of the Fleet began as a Sicilian custom centered on faith and perseverance, qualities long associated with those who make their living on the sea. Newport has continued the tradition since the 1950s, gathering each year to ask for protection at sea, bountiful catches and peace of mind for families waiting at home.
Sunday opens with survival suit races at 9 am between Port docks 1 and 5, where teams compete in cold-water survival gear used by commercial fishermen. The races can be viewed from multiple points along the Bayfront boardwalk.
At 11 am, the boat procession gets underway near the Port of Newport International Terminal. If available, a United States Coast Guard search and rescue helicopter and motor lifeboats from Station Yaquina Bay will signal the start of the parade. Participating vessels then travel west before turning near the bridge and passing the Coast Guard station, where local ministers bless each boat.
A free community barbecue begins at 1 pm at the Port of Newport International Terminal, with food served and sponsor T-shirts available while supplies last. Guests can also enjoy the annual Highliner Competition, showcasing skills used in the fishing industry, and learn more about volunteer opportunities with Newport Fishermen’s Wives.
The weekend concludes with a memorial service at 4 pm at the Fishermen’s Memorial Sanctuary at Yaquina Bay State Park, honoring Lincoln County fishermen lost at sea and offering support to their families and the wider community.
For more information, go to the Newport Fishermen’s Wives page on Facebook.
Loyalty Days and Sea Fair Festival schedule
Friday, May 1
Noon - Veterans Lunch, Newport 60+ Activity Center
7 pm - Loyalty Days Coronation, Newport Elks Lodge
Saturday, May 2
11:45 am - Fun Run starts, Highway 101 and NW 20th Street
Noon - Loyalty Days Parade begins, NW 20th Street at Highway 101
2 pm - 234th Army Band Concert, Newport Armory
Sunday, May 3
9 am - Survival Suit Swim, Port Dock 5, Bayfront
11 am - Blessing of the Fleet, Yaquina Bay
4 pm - Highliner Competition and Barbecue, Dock 7, Bayfront