04/27/2025
Get DirectionsThe Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival is a beloved annual event, ranked as one of the top 20 by the Southeast Tourism Society.
The Blessing of the Fleet is an opportunity to bless our local ships (many of them decorated), shrimpers and fisherman who are heading out to sea, praying for their saety and for a bountiful harvest to come. It’s been going on each spring for almost four decades, ever since shrimp boat Captain Wayne Magwood and his family started the tradition back in 1988.
Our local shrimpers are a hardy lot. But they’ve faced tough times, what with foreign competition, rising fuel and maintenance costs and other challenges. This is a chance for us in the community to express our appreciation and encourage them to keep on fishin.’ As Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie explained, "This is the most special day for Mount Pleasant. Lots of places have other festivals, races, they don't have a shrimping fleet. And our shrimping fleet is part of the heartbeat of our town."
The Blessing and Boat Parade are the core of the festival, and it’s grown into a full-fledged, day-long celebration of all things shrimp and beyond. There will be tons of tents with vendors, seafood of all sorts, beverages for all ages, a huge arts and crafts show, kids’ activities and plenty of live music.
Be sure to check out the ever-popular Shrimp Eating Contest as well as the Beach Boogie Dance Competition.
The venue is ideal and picturesque… underneath the Ravenel Bridge, overlooking Charleston Harbor, at Mount Pleasant Waterfront Memorial Park. Admission is free, and proceeds go to local charities. Parking is also free but rather limited onsite, considering the number of people who attend. You're encouraged to use designated ancillary lots around town, and shuttles to the festival are also free. Check the website for all the details.
Date and details for the 38th annual Blessing of the Fleet in 2025 haven't been announced yet, but here was the schedule for 2024:
- 11:00 am | National Anthem, Mayor’s Welcome
- 11:20 am | Blessing Procession on Pier
- 11:30 am | Boat Parade & Blessing of the Fleet
- 12:30 pm | Opening Band: Cravin' Melon
- 2:00 pm | East Coast Party Band
- 3:00 pm | Shrimp Eating Contest presented by Gilligan’s Seafood Restaurant
- 3:30 pm | Bowers Beach Boogie Dance Competition presented by Harris Teeter
Proceeds for the 37th annual Blessing of the Fleet in 2024 benefitted Carolina Children's Charity, along with the Magwood Fishermen's Memorial Statue... to be placed on the Shem Creek pedestrian bridge, to honor the famous family of shrimpers.