Blessing of the Fleet
and
Decorated Boat Parade
on Lake Ray Hubbard, Dallas, Texas
Saturday, May 30, beginning at 1:00PM
| This event was rescheduled from May 16, due to rainy weather. |
Location: Bayview Marina , followed by Bass Pro and Primo's dock, Chandler's Marina, and The Harbor at Rockwall.
Event Flyer (opens in a new window)
Event Wrap-up: Earlier, we were forced by all-day
rain to postpone our event. It was worth the wait - we couldn't have asked for finer
weather.
The boats lined up on the lake, behind the lead boat, Itty Yacht, piloted
by Commodore Chris Menard. At about 1:00PM, the ceremony began with a
general invocation, by Chaplain Pat Lee. Then the procession of boats
began to pass through Bayview Marina. As each
boat passed, the Chaplain asked a blessing for the safety of the
craft and her crew in the new boating season. Even the Dallas Fire-Rescue boat, Marine 1, received
her blessing.
After the blessing ceremony, the boats continued over toward Bass
Pro. The fire boat crew threw a big arch with their water cannon, and
most of the boats passed (damply) under it, before turning to parade
closely past the dock, behind Bass Pro and Primo's Tex-Mex Grille.
The decorated boats were judged, as they passed the dock.
Next, the parade crossed over and passed by Chandler's Landing and The
Harbor, before turning back towards home, at Bayview Marina. Most
of our boaters couldn't resist breaking out for a few extra hours on the
lake, rather than re-entering the marina. Hey, it was the first
rain-free weekend, since April 4!
Later in the evening, we had our Pool-side Party, where we enjoyed grilled dogs and brats, along with some member-brought side dishes (thanks!), cold kegs and music. The Commodore presented the trophy for the Best Decorated Boat, in each class.
Judging Results:
| Cruiser | Awaiting information... |
| Pontoon | (Unnamed, so far...) Denise Garrett and Kerry Leonard |
| Houseboat | Leaky Tiki Brian and Monica Dusek |
| Sailboat | Foxy Roxy Randy and Roxanne Pritchard |
| Small Boat | Awaiting information... |
Our thanks to all who participated or helped, in this years event. Special
thanks to: Chaplain Pat Lee, who conducted the ceremony for the sixth
time, running; the crew of Marine 1,
for adding an extra touch of fun and excitement to our parade; Past
Commodore, John Miller, for organizing the judging; and to Karen
Rodarte, for yet another couple of hot hours, behind the grills.
Calendar of Events for:
2008 Season
2007 Season
2009 Season
April 11, 2009
Easter Egg Hunt and
Dock Dinner
April 25, 2009
'Jumpin' the Waves'
Season Kickoff and Membership Drive Party
May 30, 2009
Blessing of the Fleet and Decorated Boat Parade,
and Pool-side Party
June 13, 2009
Shrimp and Crawfish Boil Party
July 18, 2009
Barbeque Cook-off and Pool Party
August 15, 2009
Tex-Mex Fiesta
September 19, 2009
'Talk Like a Pirate Day' Party
at Chandler's
October 24, 2009
Halloween Costume Contest
and Chili Cook-off
November 14, 2009
Marina-wide Christmas Dock Decorating Work (then Play) Party
December 5, 2009
'Parade of Lights' Boat Parade
followed by
BBC Christmas Party
January 16, 2010
Board and Officer Elections
February, 27, 2010
Commodore's Ball
New Orleans Mardi Gras Theme