The Annual Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival presented by East Cooper Medical Center and Harris Teeter is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year! The festival pays tribute to Mount Pleasant 's local shrimping and fishing industry, offering a boat parade, live music, craft show and lots of free activities with the picturesque Ravenel Bridge and Charleston Harbor for a backdrop!

Activities
Participants are treated to a boat parade and ceremonial blessing of the shrimp/fishing fleet, savory seafood samplings sold by some of Mount Pleasant’s best restaurants, live music, a craft show, Shag and shrimp-eating contests, and family-friendly activities. Admission and activities are free! Come enjoy a wonderful time with your community in one of the most beautiful settings in the Lowcountry!

Beneficiary
Continuing the tradition begun by the Magwood family who started the festival in 1988, every year the net proceeds from the festival have been given to local nonprofit organizations who partner with the Town on volunteer recruitment and management for the event.  The 2023 beneficiaries are Camp Rise Above and the Wayne Magwood Memorial Sculpture to honor the festival’s late founding father and pay homage to the captains whose hard work has made Shem Creek such a vital part of our town’s heritage. The sculpture will be placed on the Shem Creek pedestrian bridge named after the former captain. Be sure to stock up on event memorabilia to benefit these wonderful local causes!

Craft Show
Stroll through the Craft Show and enjoy a variety of hand-made arts and crafts. You 're sure to find plenty of unique Lowcountry creations that make great gifts for yourself or your loved ones!

Schedule of Events

11:00 am - National Anthem, Mayor 's Welcome
11:20 am - Blessing Procession on Pier
11:30 am - Boat Parade & Blessing of the Fleet
12:30 pm - Opening Band: Island Trio
2:00 pm - East Coast Party Band
3:00 pm - Shrimp Eating Contest presented by Gilligan 's Seafood Restaurant
3:30 pm - Bowers Beach Boogie Dance Competition presented by Harris Teeter

Date: April 30, 2023

Location:
Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park
99 Harry M. Hallman Jr Blvd
Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

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