Poster unveiling for the 88th annual Blessing of the Fleet and Shrimp Festival

The city of Biloxi is known for a variety of unique traditions including the Blessing of the Fleet which dates back to 1929.
Ocean Springs artist Scott Rushing Jr. unveiled his winning masterpiece during a ceremony at the Biloxi Visitors Center this afternoon. This is the third time one of Rushing’s paintings has been selected to be the official poster for the Blessing of the Fleet and Shrimp Festival.
Rushing tells News 25 this year’s artwork is special because he painted it in honor of his recently deceased grandmother. “She’s just one of those types of people that made a difference in your life. She just kind of pushed you along and kept you on the right course. She loved the Coast and she loved family tradition and I knew she’d be proud to be here.”
The Fais Do Do celebration will take place Saturday, June 3rd and the Blessing of the Fleet will take place on Sunday, June 4th.
Pastor of St. Michael Catholic Church Greg Barras will toss Holy Water and pray for passing boats that they have a safe and successful shrimping season.