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Thousands head to Geraldton’s Fisherman’s Wharf for Blessing of the Fleet ceremony

Matthew PaddickGeraldton Guardian
Thousands turned out to the Fisherman's Wharf for the Blessing of the Fleet in Geraldton.
Camera IconThousands turned out to the Fisherman's Wharf for the Blessing of the Fleet in Geraldton. Credit: Can't Create

About 5000 people attended Fisherman’s Wharf to commemorate Geraldton’s Blessing of the Fleet tradition on Sunday.

Father Robert Cross blessed each of the 17 boats that took part in the parade.

The best-dressed boat went to Lucretia, which was owned by the Weldon family.

They opted for a carnival theme, with clowns, a strong man, and the big top amongst the features on deck to help them get first prize.

The Weldon family's Lucretia won this year's best dressed.
Camera IconThe Weldon family's Lucretia won this year's best dressed. Credit: Can't Create

The rope coiling and tug of war proved popular later in the day, as did the cray cart rally which returned to the event for the first time since the blessing’s brief hiatus.

The dunk tank also caught the eyes of the people, with Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton, Nationals candidate Kirrilee Warr, Liberal candidate Tim Milnes, and City of Greater Geraldton mayor Jerry Clune all facing the icy waters during the morning.

Blessing of the Fleet committee secretary Tracey Basile said it was an event enjoyed by all.

“We didn’t have any complaints, everything went well,” she said.

“There was more than enough food and everyone enjoyed the day.”

Geraldton Liberal candidate Tim Milnes stepped into the dunk tank at the Blessing of the Fleet.
Camera IconGeraldton Liberal candidate Tim Milnes stepped into the dunk tank at the Blessing of the Fleet. Credit: Can't Create
The rope coiling at the Blessing of the Fleet event in Geraldton.
Camera IconThe rope coiling at the Blessing of the Fleet event in Geraldton. Credit: Can't Create
Rope coiling at the Blessing of the Fleet event in Geraldton.
Camera IconRope coiling at the Blessing of the Fleet event in Geraldton. Credit: Can't Create
Nationals candidate Kirrilee Warr in the dunk tank at Geraldton's Blessing of the Fleet event.
Camera IconNationals candidate Kirrilee Warr in the dunk tank at Geraldton's Blessing of the Fleet event. Credit: Can't Create
Wall painting at the Blessing of the Fleet in Geraldton.
Camera IconWall painting at the Blessing of the Fleet in Geraldton. Credit: Can't Create
17 boats were blessed in Geraldton on Sunday.
Camera Icon17 boats were blessed in Geraldton on Sunday. Credit: Can't Create

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