Blessing of the Fleet

Celebrate the start of summer at the Harbor Springs Area Historical Society’s annual Blessing of the Fleet. The event kicks off June 26 with a visit from the Utopia, a 77’ staysail schooner, designed by the late Fred J. Peterson and built in 1946. Utopia made her maiden sea voyage in 1947 when she cruised the North Atlantic, the Mediterranean Sea and Caribbean islands. It’s estimated Utopia has logged more than 60,000 miles. In 2016, current owner Ellsworth Peterson donated the schooner to the Inland Seas Education Association. Utopia will be at the city marina and open for free public tours on June 26 & 27 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. On June 27, all types of watercraft—kayaks, sailboats, paddleboards, yachts, fishing boats—are welcome to participate in the traditional Blessing of the Fleet boat parade at 6 p.m. This free event has grown every year, and in 2018, more than 146 watercraft participated. The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians will lead the parade in a Jiimaan (canoe) and, onshore, Historical Society Trustee Dave Lyle will announce each boat and give a brief history of the antique vessels as a community band performs for spectators. At 7 p.m., immediately following the boat parade, the Historical Society will host the Summer’s Launch Party at the Walstrom Marine Showroom. Friends gather for a strolling supper featuring local beer, wine, cocktails, music, a silent auction and raffle (prizes include a Pedego electric bike, paddle board from Irish Boat Shop and a J.McLaughlin shopping spree). Tickets for the party are $100/person.