It’s a-boat time
Fleet of Flowers honors seafarers in Depoe Bay
One of the Oregon Coast’s most moving Memorial Day traditions will fill the "world's smallest harbor” when Depoe Bay hosts the annual Fleet of Flowers ceremony this Monday, May 25.
Established in 1945, the Fleet of Flowers began as a tribute to fishermen Roy Bower and John Chambers, who died at sea in 1936 while attempting to aid fellow fishermen. Throughout the decades, the ceremony has evolved into a broader remembrance honoring all seafarers and those lost at sea, drawing large crowds to Depoe Bay each year.
The day begins with an opening ceremony at the harbor docks across from the Coast Guard station led by Master of Ceremonies Chief Amy Archer of the US Coast Guard Station Depoe Bay.
The roughly one-hour long program also features remarks from Chief Depoe, patriotic music performed by local groups and presentation of the six armed services flags by local veterans and presentation of the colors by the United States Coast Guard. Additional traditions include the Pledge of Allegiance led by a local Girl Scout troop, the singing of the national anthem, a reading of “Old Glory,” a military flyover, a 21-gun salute, “Amazing Grace” and the Blessing of the Fleet.
Across from the ceremony site, boats bedecked with wreaths of flowers will gather before heading out to sea. This is the best place to watch vessels up close as they depart and begin the procession.
From there, many spectators make their way to the Depoe Bay Bridge and nearby Whale Watching Center, where boats can be seen passing beneath the bridge and forming a circle offshore. The elevated vantage offers a wide, panoramic view of the fleet and is one of the most popular gathering spots.
“There is at least a half hour between the ceremony and when the flotilla heads out under the bridge, so people don’t have to worry about missing it,” said event president Jerry Springer. “Plus, this year we have partnered with Kids Zone and they are going to run a shuttle service from the docks after the ceremony so that people will be guaranteed to see the flotilla.”
For a more relaxed experience, visitors can line the seawall and other harbor-front areas early, where the small size of Depoe Bay makes it easy to find a clear view of the wreath-laying portion of the ceremony.
“We’re bringing sound back to the bridge,” Springer said. “That way people that are on the bridge can hear the opening ceremony.”
Arriving early is recommended, especially for those hoping to secure a spot on the bridge or near the Whale Watching Center, as crowds build quickly once boats begin leaving the harbor.
Parking in Depoe Bay is limited, particularly on Memorial Day. Small public lots near the harbor and street parking along Highway 101 fill quickly, with additional options available near the city park and surrounding side streets. Accessible parking spaces are available near the harbor and downtown.
If you would like to honor someone with a wreath to be laid during the ceremony but can’t make it to Depoe Bay, the new Fleet of Flowers website has you covered.
“This year, people have the ability to make a remembrance donation without having to attend and someone will create a wreath for them,” Springer said. ”That's really easy to do now.”
The Fleet of Flowers shirts, hoodies and hats are also available on the website.
“The apparel has always been popular but was not easy to get,” Springer said. “Now you can order it online all year. There is even free local delivery.”
The event board has also invested in new event signs to greet visitors as they come into town on Highway 101 from the north or south.
“This event means a lot to this town,” Springer said. “You can really feel that while it’s happening. It’s very special.”
Monday’s Fleet of Flowers ceremony begins at 11 am in Depoe Bay Harbor. For more information, go to fleetofflowers.com.