29th Annual Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival
Memorial Waterfront ParkSunday, April 24 – 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
ArtArt for Kids presented by Fear No EaselFree art activities are offered by Fear No Easel.
ATM AccessATMs are available outside the Beer Garden (Visitor’s Center) and near the Pier Shop. As with all ATMs, there is a fee for use.
Baby ChangingAvailable inside the restrooms (Visitor’s Center/Pier Shop).
BeneficiariesCamp Rise Above and Carolina Children’s Charity are the beneficiaries of this year’s proceeds.
Blessing of the Fleet and Boat ParadeThe Blessing Procession begins at 12:45 p.m. at the pier entrance gates and the Blessing will begin at 1:00 at the Blessing Stage at the end of the pier. Father Len Williams of the Charleston Port & Seafarers Society and Rector Hamilton Smith of St. Thomas’ Church are the ministers this year. The blessing lasts about 45 minutes. The Blessing is being broadcast live on 94.3 WSC and will be played in the park from the end of the pier for those who don’t want to walk to the end of the pier.
Bus RoutesParking is limited at Memorial Waterfront Park. There are free shuttle busses running continually from 11:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. A dedicated handicapped accessible bus will run continually throughout the event from East Cooper Medical Center to the park. Riders are welcome to bring their chairs and festival gear on the bus! The last bus will leave the park at 6:00 p.m.
Bus 1 & 2: • East Cooper Medical Center, Mullis Building, 851 Leonard Fulghum Blvd.
• James B. Edwards Elementary, 855 Von Kolnitz Road
Bus 3 (handicapped accessible bus): • East Cooper Medical Center, Mullis Building, 851 Leonard Fulghum Blvd.
Bus 4: • Cheryll Woods-Flowers Soccer Complex, 85 Patriots Point Blvd.• Cinebarre, 963 Houston Northcutt Boulevard
Bus 5: • Farmers Market Pavilion/Moultrie Middle School, 645 Coleman Boulevard (Simmons Street side)• Cheryll Woods-Flowers Soccer Complex, 85 Patriots Point Boulevard
Craft ShowArt and craft vendors are setup near the Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Pavilion. The craft show is available all day.
DrinksAvailable at most restaurant tents, the Pier Shop and at small food vendor booths. There is a craft beer garden in the Cooper River Room for participants 21 years old and over.
EntertainmentSmoking Guns Duo will play on the main stage from 11:30 a.m. to 12:25 p.m. Mitchell Lee will play from 1:45 to 3 p.m. (Expect special performances during both sets as the two founding members of the former band Southwood share the stage again!) The East Coast Party Band will play from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Island Duo will play in the Pier Plaza at 2:30 p.m. and Dallas Brewer will play at the end of the pier at 3:00.
ExhibitorsCARTA, Charleston County Transportation Development, Department of Natural Resources, Mount Pleasant Artists Guild, Mount Pleasant Waterworks, South Carolina Aquarium, Town of Mount Pleasant Stormwater Division, US Coast Guard Auxiliary
FishingNo fishing from the Pier during the festival.
Food & BeverageNine local restaurants and caterers will serve up some of the Lowcountry’s finest seafood. Food tickets are NOT needed to purchase food. Menus are posted at each tent. Our event is inspected and permitted by DHEC.
Alcohol (Beer & Wine)Is sold only in the Beer Garden in the Cooper River Room/Visitor’s Center and at the Pier Shop. Alcohol must be in a cup or can with koozie. No glass bottles. No alcohol is allowed in the playground or child activity area. Please be reminded to drink responsibly! Public intoxication and other alcohol related offenses will be enforced.
Golf CartsGolf cart shuttles are offering free rides from the grass parking area. This is primarily for the disabled, elderly, pregnant women, and families with small children.
Injuries/First AidThe Mount Pleasant Fire Department will have a First Aid tent on the back side of the Visitor’s Center next to the Cooper River Room.
Kids’ AreaFenced playground and in the lawn area between the Craft Show and the playground. Face painting, balloon art and magician are available for free. There will be Magic Shows with Cupcake the Clown at 2:30 and 4:30 on the Playground.
Lost ChildrenPlease go to the the Mount Pleasant Fire Department First Aid tent on the back side of the Visitor’s Center next to the Cooper River Room.
Mount Pleasant Artists GuildThe Mount Pleasant Artists Guild is presenting its annual display in the lawn area near the War Memorial and pier shop. Free of charge. Vote for the People’s Choice Award!
PetsWe love pets, but we do not recommend bringing them as there are large crowds and a lot of activity/noise at this event.
PierThe pier is open throughout the event. The Blessing will be at the end of the pier at 1:00 p.m. No dogs/animals are allowed on the pier at any time. No fishing and no bicycles during the festival. Chairs may be set up on the pier.
Pier StoreThe pier store is run by Charleston County Parks and Recreation. They are selling food and beverages along with gift items.
RestroomsLocated in and around the Visitor’s Center, Pier Shop, and on the roundabout circle between the pier and park.
Shag Contest sponsored by Harris Teeter4:30 p.m. on the lawn in front of the stages. No ticket needed to enter. Hosted by DJ Jimmy Bowers. Prizes sponsored by Harris Teeter.
Shrimp Eating Contest sponsored by Gilligan’s Seafood Restaurant4:20 p.m. on the stage. Purchase a raffle ticket for $1 for a chance to participate in the shrimp eating contest. Must be over 18 to participate. Meet at the stage lawn area for ticket drawing. Maximum of 10 participants. Prizes sponsored by Gilligan’s Seafood Restaurant. Local shrimp provided by Gilligan’s Seafood Restaurant.
TentsFestival goers cannot set up tents or large umbrellas that will obstruct the view of others.
T-Shirt and Merchandise SalesAll event merchandise is available at the tent in the middle of the Grand Lawn between the stage and the sponsor tents. Cash, MasterCard, and Visa accepted. Proceeds benefit this year’s charities. No checks are accepted.