FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

APRIL 27, 2011
St. Margaret's 62nd Annual Blessing of the Fleet - Bayou La Batre

Bayou La Batre's 62nd Annual Blessing of the Fleet will be held at St. Margaret's Catholic Church in Bayou La Batre on Sunday, May 1st from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

Given the hardships of recent years, organizers have set their sights on making this a comeback year filled with fun for the whole family. Numerous events and ongoing activities are scheduled throughout the day, including an arts and crafts festival, a gumbo cook‐off, an antique car exhibition, live music, fresh Gulf seafood dinners, bayou boat tours, a land parade, and ‐ of course ‐ the formal blessing of the fleet which will be conducted by Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi of Mobile.

With numerous features and expanded activities, the Fleet Blessing will have free parking and shuttle service to and from the church grounds as well as free admission. Tickets will be sold on the grounds for participation in the boat tours, gumbo cook off and other activities.

"We were hit hard by the oil spill in the gulf last year, yet our Fleet Blessing continues to get bigger and better," stated Father Nguyen, pastor of St. Margaret's. "Our spirit is high and with God's blessing we will recover and get back on our feet."

What: St. Margaret's 62nd Annual Blessing of the Fleet
Arts & Crafts Festival • Gumbo Cook‐Off • Antique Car Exhibit • Fresh Gulf • Seafood Dinners • Live music • Children's Activities • Bayou Boat Tours • Boat Parade • Land Parade • Fleet Blessing • and More

Music: Kim Carson Band • FISHERGREEN • Rickie Castrillo & Friends • The Joe Cain Band • Dave Streiffer Band • Deja Blues

When: Sunday, May 1st • 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Where: St. Margaret's Catholic Church • 13790 S. Wintzell Ave. • Bayou La Batre

Who: Family fun open to the public. Admission is free but tickets will be sold for the gumbo cook off, fresh Gulf seafood dinners and Bayou boat tours.

MEDIA CONTACT:

A.J. JONGEWAARD
PIO, City of Bayou La Batre
Cell: 205-617-3933
Email: aj@dcwins.com

Gene Clark A.J. Jongewaard
St. Margaret's Catholic Church PIO, City of Bayou La Batre
C: 504‐432‐9929 C: 205‐617‐3933
E: gclark@ardent.us