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As a community foundation and for over 50 years, the annual Blessing of the Destin Fishing Fleet takes place in the Destin harbor on Ascension Day.  On that day, pastors gather to bless each charter fishing boat for safe passage and bountiful catches. 

Today, the “Blessing of the Fleet” continues coupled with “The Blessing of the Marketplace” which has now grown along with the community.  Business in Destin has expanded from the fishing industry into retail, real estate and tourism, and the scope of the blessings have grown, too.    After years of participation in the original blessing of the fleet, Capt. Mike Parker asked Father Mike Hesse of Immanuel Anglican Church if this “blessing could be expanded to embrace the whole community.”  A few weeks later Mel Ponder, a business owner and Destin City Councilman, spoke with Father Mike about the same concept.  Father Mike put the two men together, and Parker & Ponder worked with the help of several other local pastors and leaders to expand the blessing events to include Families, Youth, & Children, and the entire residents of the city.  Hence a whole week of blessings and events was formed, known as “Destin’s Week of Blessings.” 

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