Story by Romy Carver; Photos & Video by Don Backman
On Saturday morning, June 6, 2026, the 26th Annual Blessing of the Fleet was held on the shore at Cape Kiwanda by the Pacific City Dorymens Association. Dozens of boats lined the shore, with the dorymen and their families, who were there to remember those lost and to help bless the current dory fleet.
The ceremony opened under a cloudy sky with violin music by Erin Farstad. Boy Scout Troop 170 presented the colors and raised the flag, and Bret Lusich sang the National Anthem, with his guitar.
Ray Monroe and Randy Haltiner welcomed a crowd of 150-200 people of all ages who gathered on the sand to hear music, words of prayer, and share their love and support.
Arica Sears announced the 2026 Dory Days Princesses Ana Wehrley and Jocelyn Kellow, as well as Nestucca High School scholarship recipients Audrey Gaine, Peyton Gregor, Micah Rigg, Peyton Olson, and Jonah Higdon.
Tribute was paid to Rob Kliever, 2026 Grand Marshall, who has contributed greatly to the dory community. Bret Lusich sang an original song, “One Hero at a Time.”
The clouds burst open and heavy rain began to fall.
Pastors Jonathan Whittles, Ken Hood, Mark Canady, and Charles Winesburgh each spoke a special blessing. Winesburgh remarked that at first he was concerned about the rain, but then thought, “These are dorymen! This is nothing.” The rain soon cleared and the sun burst through.
The blessings were followed by music, and a special poem to honor Al Jensen, who passed away this year.
The ceremony concluded with the Reading of the Names and Tolling of the Bell. Directly after, a drone dropped a wreath of flowers into the sea as participants carried fresh flowers to toss into the waves.
The Blessing of the Fleet is a homegrown South County tradition, created as part of a supportive community that weathers storms, both at sea and on land. As Ray Monroe said in his comments, the dories are “the lifeblood of coastal communities. They are more than just vessels, but symbols of resilience.”
