Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Communities up and down the Texas Gulf Coast kick off shrimping season with local clergy blessing a parade of fishing boats, but Kemah boasts the largest of such celebrations. A procession of colorfully decorated boats has motored down Clear Creek Channel while spectators gathered along the Kemah Boardwalk to wish the crews a safe and successful journey since 1968. As this 1980 segment for PM Magazine illustrates, the festivities extend beyond the ceremonial blessing. The night before the boat parade, locals gather for music, dancing, and feasting on—what else?—lots and lots of shrimp.
Watch the full video at: tinyurl.com/4k53u9fc
Explore the web exhibit, Festival Season, at: bit.ly/4pUGtjE
Contributed to the Texas Moving Image Archive Program by the Tyrrell Historical Library.
#pmmagazine #kemah #blessingofthefleet
Communities up and down the Texas Gulf Coast kick off shrimping season with local clergy blessing a parade of fishing boats, but Kemah boasts the largest of such celebrations. A procession of colorfully decorated boats has motored down Clear Creek Channel while spectators gathered along the Kemah Boardwalk to wish the crews a safe and successful journey since 1968. As this 1980 segment for PM Magazine illustrates, the festivities extend beyond the ceremonial blessing. The night before the boat parade, locals gather for music, dancing, and feasting on—what else?—lots and lots of shrimp.
Watch the full video at: tinyurl.com/4k53u9fc
Explore the web exhibit, Festival Season, at: bit.ly/4pUGtjE
Contributed to the Texas Moving Image Archive Program by the Tyrrell Historical Library.
#pmmagazine #kemah #blessingofthefleet
