Paying homage to the bay and harbor so many local residents use for work and play, the Bristol Harbormaster’s Office celebrated the third annual Harborfest at Rockwell Park Saturday.

The Rev. Henry Zinno, pastor at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, kicked things off with the traditional blessing of the fleet. Boats large and small lined up in the harbor around noon to parade before the dock as Father Zinno offered prayers and tossed holy water toward the vessels, at one point urging them to steer nearer to the dock.

“It doesn’t burn unless you get closer,” Father Zinno joked as the skippers received their blessing. “May God bless these boats and all those who use them for work or for pleasure.”

After the ceremony, the party began, with live music rocking the park on Thames Street all day, and a huge clam boil featuring 400 pounds of clam chowder and 3,600 quahogs pulled from the bay by local fishermen. Two seatings were sold out, and volunteers served up more than 300 meals. 

“The money goes to the Maritime Center and programs for the kids for the kids to come out to, like boating safety and take a kid fishing,” said organizer and local fishermen Lou Frattareli. “Last year the money went toward mulching the park.”

Amateur chefs put their clam cooking skills to the test with the stuffed quahog competition. Bristol residents Molly Scarborough and John Connell were named the stuffy champs by a panel of four judges, followed by Daryll Issa, Betty Duarte (last year’s winner), Cliff McGovern and Matt White, and Steve Contente. Visitors were able to sample each of the stuffy entries for just $1 each.

The party continued into the evening with live music by Colby James, Seamus Galligan, Unknown Artist, and Tyler and Ryan Falcoa at 5 p.m., followed by sunset cruises through Bristol Harbor at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m.