On the same day as the processional is the annual Blessing of the Fleet at 3 p.m. at Mary Ross Waterfront Park. The Blessing of the Fleet, another Portuguese tradition, blesses the brightly decorated shrimp boats prior to the start of shrimping season. Mary Ross Waterfront Park and the adjacent Brunswick Landing Marina play host to a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. Speaking of food, another wonderful event is the Brunswick Seafood Festival from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 26 at Mary Ross Waterfront Park. Enjoy fresh seafood plus seafood cooking, peeling and eating competitions, as well as artwork related to the sea.
Admission is free.
After you get your fill of seafood, check out the Project Impact Tri-County Hurricane Expo adjacent to the seafood festival. The expo is a large exhibition of companies, small businesses, research groups, universities and organizations from around the country who specialize in revetment, mitigation and all aspects of preparing for and cleaning up after storms and other natural disasters. Parents can cut the kids loose at the seafood festival and then learn about great information and products to protect their homes and property. Visitors, meanwhile, can marvel at all of the technology and products that are available to people who live along the coast. This Fourth of July, bring yourself, your family and friends and join thousands of happy kids and adults for free games, free watermelon and, of course, free fireworks at Mary Ross Waterfront Park in Brunswick.