ANTRIM COUNTY — The inaugural Blessing of the Boats is set to take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 14 at Dockside on Torch Lake, welcoming all types of boats to the site.
Pastor David Ramage from Church in the Hills in Bellaire will officiate the ceremony, which aims to promote safety, mindfulness, thankfulness, respectfulness and beauty among Northern Michigan boaters.
“We hope that this becomes an annual event that will serve as an unofficial kickoff to the season for Northern Michigan boaters,” he said.
The event will feature a performance by the Green Sky Hill Indian United Methodist Church Women’s Drum Group from Charlevoix, adding a cultural touch to the ceremony.
The ceremony will begin with an opening statement, followed by music and hymns performed by the Church in the Hills Praise Band.
The event will also include the blessing of the water, a prayer for the boating season, and the blessing of the boats.
Similar events are held annually across the state, including at the Huron Lady II Dock on Black River in Port Huron, showcasing a tradition of blessings for boating safety.
Organizers are optimistic that the Blessing of the Boats will become a cherished tradition for local boaters, marking the beginning of a safe and enjoyable boating season.