Bodega Bay Fisherman’s Festival celebrates, blesses a busy fleet

More than 20 vessels on Sunday were blessed by local clergy as part of the Bodega Bay Fisherman’s Festival, continuing a more than 50-year tradition in support of a key economic engine in this small coastal town.

However, most commercial fishermen weren’t around to receive such divine words of encouragement. They instead were scrambling to make up for the late start to the Dungeness crab season, which began less than two weeks ago, instead of the typical starting time in mid-November.

“Most of the (commercial) guys are fishing today. We didn’t have as many boats in the blessing as we normally do, but it was still a great event,” said Rick Powers, who captained his New Sea Angler as the lead vessel in the boat parade through the harbor and out to the ocean.

The Dungeness crab season was delayed until late March this year after tests showed the crustaceans off the Sonoma Coast contained high levels of domoic acid, a naturally occurring neurotoxin. Local and state officials have requested federal disaster relief.

Fishermen are now pinning their hopes on the impending salmon season, though government forecasters say that catch may be tepid.

“We’re hoping this salmon season is better,” said Powers, who is board member of the Golden Gate Salmon Association. “We are doing everything in our power to try and protect and enhance (the) salmon.”

Boaters at the very least were blessed when the morning rain tapered off as the parade started just before noon. Ida Moore of Bodega Bay said she looked forward to the blessing as the past 15 years she has been a volunteer on land for the festival held at Westside Park. As she sipped chardonnay from Sonoma Coast Vineyard, Moore noted she worked on Saturday, helping bread fish at one of the booths.

“I was in charge of batter for the fish and chips,” she said. The booth sold about 150 pounds of fish on Saturday despite smaller crowds because of the weather.

Moore said she enjoys the festival because it fosters a sense of community. The event last year raised $80,000 for local nonprofit groups such as the Bodega Bay Firefighter’s Association, Tomales High School sports programs and the Valley Ford Volunteer Fire Department.

“It’s amazing the people that come from all over,” Moore said.

Gary Moore, a deacon at Cathedral of Saint Eugene, was participating for the first time in the event, offering a quick sermon through the New Sea Angler’s speaker system and then tossing a wreath into the water.

Moore said it was relatively easy to write out his words for the event, noting how many New Testament stories involved fishermen.

“The major disciples, the apostles, many of them came from fishermen,” he said. “Especially in tough times like we are having right now, I think it’s important... just for people to be able to relate to some faith.”

As the boats passed the New Sea Angler, Moore used an aspergillum, a traditional liturgical implement, to sprinkle holy water in front of each sea craft.

“May the Lord bless you, protect you and keep you safe,” he said.

At the end, Moore turned to Powers and offered a similar blessing.

“Amen!” Powers shouted back.

You can reach Staff Writer Bill Swindell at 521-5223 or bill.swindell@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @BillSwindell.