Organizers hope for big crowds to support ailing shrimpers

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Posted 9:16AM on Sunday, May 12, 2002

BRUNSWICK - Organizers hope big crowds will turn out Sunday to support the troubled shrimping industry at the Blessing of the Fleet, an annual ceremony that draws boats of all kinds to the East River here. But drawing lots of people will not be as easy as in past years. A separate festival Spring Fiesta, also called the Seafood Festival has been moved back from its usual spot on Mothers Day weekend. The coastal Georgia shrimping industry is flagging. The lingering drought is creating record low catchers, and some shrimpers have had to turn to government loans to stay in business. Imports are flooding the market. The Blessing of the Fleet, a 64-year tradition, is rooted in Brunswick's shrinking Portuguese fishing community. It seeks good fortune for shrimpers and honors fishermen who have died at sea. ``I'd love to see everybody turn out,'' said Frank Ferra, son of a longtime shrimper, who is overseeing preparations for the celebration on behalf of the Knights of Columbus of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. ``I know it's Mother's Day and I know a lot of people are spending their time with their mothers, but that's a good way to spend time with their mothers,'' he said. Participation in the blessing has risen amid the industry's woes. But public support is lagging. HarborFest, which has been around in various forms for more than 20 years, will be held May 25. Brunswick is the only shrimping community in the region that lacks a festival built specifically around the blessing of the shrimp boat fleet. At a similar festival in Darien last month, live music, fine arts and fireworks were part of the festivities. The event also included a run and an antique show. ``We haven't seen the public support that we'd like to see and especially from the city,'' Ferra said. ``They chose to move their little fiesta to a different weekend. I think it would be good for the community if they did keep it on the same day like the other cities,'' Ferra said. Blessings for a safe and prosperous season will be bestowed on shrimp boats and by the Rev. Wilfrid Logsdon, who will be stationed on a tugboat positioned in the middle of the East River. Participants in the blessing itself are encouraged to fly the American flag and to decorate their boats. Boaters do not have to decorate to participate. The best-decorated boats win trophies and prizes.