Blessing of the Fleet 2008 | Bayview Boat Club

Blessing of the Fleet
and
Decorated Boat Parade

on Lake Ray Hubbard, Dallas, Texas

Saturday, May 17, 2008, beginning 12:00 Noon

Location: The parade began at Bass Pro Shop, Garland, then proceeded on to pass Chandlers Landing and The Harbor at Rockwall, then finally through Bayview Marina.

Event Flyer (Adobe PDF format)
First Timer Information

Event Wrap-up: Mild, sunny weather was our first blessing of the day - the forecast winds didn't kick up until long after our event.

The participating boats, from the various marinas, formed up on the west side of Robertson Park, behind the lead boat, 'Mega Easy dot Calm'. Just after 12:00 noon, Chaplain Pat Lee asked a general blessing on all the boats, boaters and the day's events. Then the boats began to parade slowly past the dock behind Bass Pro Shop, while the Dallas Fire-Rescue boat, 'Marine 1', provided a showy backdrop with their water cannon. The chaplain asked individual blessings on each passing boat, as spectators cheered and took pictures. Judging took place at Bass Pro.

After passing Bass Pro, the boats remained in line (in theory) and crossed the lake to pass by Chandlers Landing, the Hilton Belle Harbor, and the Harbor at Rockwall. 'Marine 1' raced ahead to each point and put on a show, as our boats passed. Again, people waved, cheered or shouted, and took pictures. Then the the parade turned west, along the I-30 bridge. Cars slowed to watch and truckers honked and waved. The parade finished with a north-to-south pass through Bayview Marina.

After the parade, members and guests gathered at the 'K' Dock pavilion for the Bayview Boat Club Brisket and Beer Party. The tantalizing aroma from Don Riggs' big smoker had been wafting through the marina all night and all morning. The results did not disappoint, and the exquisitely tender brisket was complemented with appetizing condiments and side dishes, and, if one could find tummy-room, desserts.

While people ate and talked, Chris and Kim Rogers worked feverishly, sorting out the judging results, printing pictures of the winners and slipping them into the special awards frames. Finally, Commodore John Miller took the floor, and began to announce the winners. Not surprisingly, Dave and Karen's 'Slip-R-In', with her Caesar's Palace theme, continued the (how many years, now?) streak, with Overall Best Decorated. As winners in the various categories were named, they were presented their awards - at least, those who were still there. Several of the winners, as their food was settling, had apparently heard the "call of the lake", and slipped away to enjoy a few more hours on the water. They were hunted down, later, and given their awards.

Award Results:

Best Decorated Boats:

Overall	'Slip-R-In' Dave Gladney and Karen Rutherford
Large Boat	'Liquid Indulgence' Kevin Johnson and Joy Nash
Small Boat	Amphicar (amphibious red car) Ken Richter

Best Costumes:

Overall	'Miss B Haven II' John and Cathy Lambert
Large Boat	'Gemini Sky' Willard Conine and Karen Rodarte
Small Boat	Jose Cuervo Theme Roger and Robin Tomberlin

Our thanks to all who turned out and participated in the parade. Special thanks to the crew of fireboat 'Marine 1', for giving our event that extra touch of visual drama and pizzazz.
Thanks to all those who helped set up, and clean up after, our party. Special thanks to Don Riggs, for putting that big ol' smoker, and long hours of his expert barbeque skills, to our service.