Legacy Tradition Returns to the Coastal Empire with Parade and One-Day Festival

The Town of Thunderbolt announces the return of the fourth annual Blessing of the Fleet Festival, a cherished tradition honoring the community’s vibrant maritime heritage. Under Mayor Dana Williams’ administration, this year's festival will be presented by Tubby’s Tank House and JIT Logistics and is planned for Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 11 am to 5 pm on River Drive along the Wilmington River in Thunderbolt.

The day kicks off with a parade down River Drive, showcasing an impressive lineup of food trucks and more than 100 vendors offering delicious food, art, crafts, clothing, and more. Attendees can enjoy live performances, music, and a beer garden throughout the day, culminating in the iconic Blessing of the Fleet ceremony, where all boats are invited to participate.

Last year’s event drew more than 6,000 attendees, making it one of the most popular family-friendly gatherings in the region. This year, vendor applications are open until March 18, and the town is looking for merchants, nonprofits, activities, and food trucks that offer unique products or experiences. Approved vendors will be notified by March 21.

The Town of Thunderbolt is actively seeking community partners interested in sponsoring this maritime tradition. Flexible sponsorship options are available to promote businesses or support the revival of this century-old celebration. Interested sponsors can reach out via email at events@thunderboltga.org. Applications to participate in the land and boat parades are also open to individuals, groups, and corporations.

Originally celebrated as a way to pay tribute to Thunderbolt’s vibrant shrimping and fishing industries, the day now seeks to honor the legacy of the community’s foundation. On hiatus since the 1980s, the festival triumphantly returned in 2022 with more than 3,000 in attendance. The Blessing of the Fleet tradition started in the early 1900s when a priest or pastor brought all the shrimp boats together and blessed them for a successful, safe, and prosperous shrimping season. Over the years shrimp boats and other vessels were included in the Blessing. Thunderbolt will continue to honor the Town’s community and legacy, by providing events to strengthen, educate, and improve community development. Thunderbolt will continue to honor the Town’s community and legacy, by providing events to strengthen, educate, and improve community development.

For up-to-date information on all things Blessing of the Fleet in Thunderbolt, please visit www.botfga.com.