**The annual Blessing of the Fleet began as a Sicilian custom centered on faith and perseverance, qualities long associated with those who make their living on the sea.** (Photo courtesy of Oregon Coast TODAY)

Newport’s working waterfront heritage will be on display this weekend when the Loyalty Days and Sea Fair Festival returns with parades, music, family activities and the annual Blessing of the Fleet.

Festivities begin Friday, May 1, with a veterans’ lunch at noon at the Newport 60+ Activity Center, followed by the Loyalty Days Coronation at 7 p.m. at the Newport Elks Lodge.

On Saturday, a “fun run” will start at 11:45 a.m. near Highway 101 and N.W. 20th Street, followed by the Loyalty Days Parade at noon.

A concert by the 234th Army Band at 2 p.m. will kick off the Cinco de Mayo celebration at the Newport Armory.

Sunday focuses on one of Newport’s most treasured maritime traditions: the Blessing of the Fleet, sponsored by Newport Fishermen’s Wives, a volunteer advocacy group created in 1970 to support the coastal commercial fishing community. The ceremony honors local fishermen and their families and welcomes owners wishing to have their fishing boats, charter vessels, pleasure craft or research vessels blessed.

Newport has continued the tradition since the 1950s, gathering each year to ask for protection at sea, bountiful catches and peace of mind for families waiting at home.

Sunday opens with “survival suit” races at 9 a.m. between Port docks 1 and 5, where teams will compete in cold-water survival gear used by commercial fishermen. The races can be viewed from multiple points along the Bayfront boardwalk.

At 11 a.m., the boat procession gets underway near the Port of Newport International Terminal. If available, a U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue helicopter and motor lifeboats from Station Yaquina Bay will signal the start of the parade. Participating vessels will travel west before turning near the bridge and passing the Coast Guard station, where local ministers bless each boat.

A free community barbecue begins at 1 p.m. at the Port of Newport International Terminal, with food served and sponsor T-shirts available while supplies last. Guests can also enjoy the annual Highliner Competition, showcasing skills used in the fishing industry, and learn more about volunteer opportunities with Newport Fishermen’s Wives.

The weekend concludes with a memorial service at 4 p.m. at the Fishermen’s Memorial Sanctuary at Yaquina Bay State Park, honoring Lincoln County fishermen lost at sea and offering support to their families and the wider community.

For more information, go to the Newport Fishermen’s Wives page on Facebook.