The 22nd annual Town of Mount Pleasant Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival will be 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 26 at Alhambra Hall. As always, it celebrates the historic Mount Pleasant shrimping industry with the traditional Blessing of the Fleet ceremony and shrimp boat parade, and other activities. For the first time, several activities will be held the week leading up to Sunday’s main Blessing of the Fleet event.

2009 “Blessing of the Fleet” Schedule of Events

April 21 – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Create a Masterpiece – The Week of the Fleet

Go to Bottles ‘N Brushes to paint a themed painting for the Week of the Fleet.
424 Broadway St. in Orchard Plaza, Mount Pleasant.
Reservations suggested: 345-7365. Fee: $35.
Refreshments available. Adults only.

April 22 – 6 p.m.

Whole Foods Cooking Presentation

Enjoy a free cooking presentation with Mount Pleasant’s Whole Foods @ 923 Houston Northcutt Blvd.

April 22 – 10 a.m.

Shem Creek – A History of the Creek and Shrimping

Presentations by Tressy Mellichamp, of the local Magwood shrimping family, committee member of the Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival and co-author of “East Cooper: A Maritime History,” and David Whitaker, deputy director of DNR.
The free event will be at the Mount Pleasant Senior Services Center @ 840 Von Kolnitz Road.

April 23 – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Create a Masterpiece – The Week of the Fleet

Go to Bottles ‘N Brushes to paint a themed painting for the Week of the Fleet.
424 Broadway St. in Orchard Plaza, Mount Pleasant.
Reservations suggested: 345-7365. Fee: $35.
Refreshments available. Adults only.

April 25

Taste of Shem Creek

Red’s Ice House on Shem Creek will have items prepared by local shrimp boat captains.
Food tickets available for purchase. Call 388-0003.

April 25 – 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Blessing of the Fleet Sunset and Shagging Cruise

The Blessing of the Fleet committee will leave Patriots Point for an evening cruise on the “Spirit of the Lowcountry.”
Make prepaid reservations with Spiritline Cruises at 843-722-2628 or 800-789-3678.
Tickets are $18. Adults only.