Darien’s waterfront comes alive as Blessing of the Fleet returns

MCINTOSH COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) -The smell of shrimp hitting hot oil is back on the Darien waterfront — and with it, a tradition that’s been bringing this coastal community together for generations.

The 58th annual Blessing of the Fleet is underway, running April 17-19. The three-day festival celebrates McIntosh County’s shrimping heritage with live music, food vendors, arts and crafts and family activities. This year’s theme is “Tides may change, but traditions remain.”

One familiar face behind and serving fried shrimp is also the man behind the badge. McIntosh County Sheriff Thornell “T.K.” King said he has cooked at the event for more than 25 years — and he says it’s about more than food.

“It’s just a great thing we do for the community,” King said. “We take all our funds at this event right here, 100% goes right back into the community.”

Organizers say the festival is rooted in the working waterfront and the people who make their living on the water. The weekend’s centerpiece is the Blessing of the Fleet boat parade Sunday at 2 p.m., when shrimp boat captains receive prayers for a safe and successful season.

With around 100 vendors and dozens of food trucks, the weekend also features live music both Friday and Saturday nights.

Kat Hoyt, president and CEO of the Darien-McIntosh County Chamber of Commerce, said this year includes something different — while still keeping the festival’s core tradition intact.

Friday night also includes a tribute to longtime local musician Vic Waters, who Hoyt said helped shape the festival’s music for years.

“He passed away unfortunately last year, so tonight… we’re paying homage to him,” Hoyt said.

Hoyt said the weekend is a reminder of what makes Darien, Darien — even as the community continues to grow.

“While the world may move forward, we may progress as a town, that heart of McIntosh being a commercial fishing community that’s close-knit… that’s always staying true,” Hoyt said.

Admission is $5 Friday, $10 Saturday, and Sunday is free, according to organizers. WTOC will be in Darien throughout the weekend covering the festivities and Sunday’s Blessing of the Fleet parade.