The 21st annual Blessing of the Bikes was postponed due to rain, and almost got rained out on Sunday, 5/19/19. The ride started from Fort Phoenix a few minutes early to try to beat the rain, but it was coming down pretty steadily by the time the 340 bikes made it to St. Joseph Church in Fairhaven for the blessing. Father David Lupo SSCC and Father Stephen Banjare SSCC splashed the bikes with holy water as they rode off for a two-hour ride along the back roads, then back to the Ice House for an afternoon of music and food. The annual event benefits St. Joseph School in Fairhaven. Last year’s run was also plagued by rain and got 175 bikers on the rain date. 2017 saw 412 bikes on a bright and sunny day. Photos by Glenn C. Silva. See more photos from this event at https://photos.app.goo.gl/8ozw426nmXuPPV6a7; find him on Instagram, @asttephoto, to see more of his photos.
- Officer Laurie Cannon is all smiles as she leads the way of the 21st annual Blessing of the Bikes on Sunday, 5/19/19, past St. Joseph Church in Fairhaven were Father David Lupo SSCC splashes holy water on the bikers. Photo by Glenn C. Silva.
- A couple of riders and their faithful companion smile for the photographer at the 21st annual Blessing of the Bikes at Saint Joseph’s Church in Fairhaven on 5/19/19. Photo by Glenn C. Silva.
- A rider is ready with the $15 to join the 21st annual Blessing of the Bikes on Sunday, 5/19/19, in Fairhaven. Photo by Glenn C. Silva
- Father David Lupo SSCC splashes water on the bikes at the 21st annual Blessing of the Bikes at Saint Joseph’s Church in Fairhaven on 5/19/19. The bikers were quite wet already from the rain but…what’s a little more when it’s holy water?
- Garth and Mari Rowe moments before getting blessed at 21st annual Blessing of the Bikes at Saint Joseph’s Church in Fairhaven on 5/19/19. Photo by Glenn C. Silva.
- Hundreds turned out to brave the elements at the 21st annual Blessing of the Bikes in Fairhaven on Sunday, 5/19/19. Photo by Glenn C. Silva.
- Bikes wait to check in at Fort Phoenix before the rain starts at the 21st annual Blessing of the Bikes in Fairhaven on 5/19/19. Photo by Glenn C. Silva.
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