Fleet to be 'blessed' in ceremony Sunday

Local boating safety advocates will hold their traditional “Blessing of the Fleet” ceremony Sunday, marked with prayers from North Shore clergy and a parade of vessels from kayaks to powerboats.

The 24th annual Oyster Bay Power Squadron event will begin at noon along Oyster Bay’s west harbor. All boat owners are invited to participate in the procession and blessing.

Boats will travel south toward Beekman Beach and pass Jakobsen’s Pier before returning to west harbor.

The event will also feature environmental education displays, harbor tours, free kayak "rentals" and live music — part of “Bay Day” — at Beekman Beach.

“This is the time for boaters of every kind to come together and celebrate what we all enjoy so much — safe and courteous boating on the waters of Oyster Bay and Long Island Sound,” said squadron Commander Ron Ferina.

For more information, call 516-622-1356.