Boats gather on Sunday for the Blessing of the Boats amid a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, green hills with wildflowers and clear, sun-filled skies. Photo by Mark Jones.
Boating Season Opening Day
Canyon Lake boats lined up as the Canyon Lake Yacht Club flotilla gathered to celebrate Canyon Lake’s official opening day of the Canyon Lake boating season Sunday. More than 30 boats participated and were eventually led for “inspection” and the blessing of the boats.
After weeks of rainy weather, the clouds parted and sunshine was prevalent. With the weather endorsing the opening of the boating season, the festivities made for a worthy celebration.
Canyon Lake boats were dressed in ribbons, bows, flags and flowers to support the traditional opening day and fleet blessing events. The celebration was led by Canyon Lake Yacht Club Commodore Ron Wilbur. The day started with boats meeting at the celebration location at the cove on the Main Lake side of the boat tunnel to East Bay.
A color guard from Canyon Lake Boy Scout Troop 2011 presented the flag prior to the National Anthem being sung by Guy Griffiths. City of Canyon Lake Mayor Jeremy Smith and Canyon Lake POA President Renee Griffiths gave short speeches and Canyon Lake City Council members and Canyon Lake POA board members were in attendance.
“It was a gorgeous day to launch Opening Day of the boating season,” Jeremy said. “In true Canyon Lake fashion, so many came out to kick off this amazing tradition in our community. A special thank you to the Yacht Club and other community members that helped make this incredible day possible.”
Mayor Pro Tem Dale Welty offered a few remarks and presented the Yacht Club with a Certificate of Recognition which read, “In celebration of 2023 Opening Day and in recognition of your dedication to boating and your ongoing contributions to the Canyon Lake Community.”
A cannon blast sounded off two shots and Ron declared to the boaters that the boating season had officially started. Ron’s pronouncement was followed by those in the boats yelling and cheering for the party to begin.
It was then that the boats lined up and drove in front of the dock where Ron issued the club’s official inspection and Pastor Thor Ramsey of the Canyon Lake Bible Club blessed each boat that the craft and crew would have a safe and enjoyable boating season.
Boats gather during the Blessing of the Boats portion of the Canyon Lake Opening Day of Boating Season. Photo by Aprile DeAnne McKinnon
Pastor Thor Ramsey, left, and Commodore Ron Wilbur wait for the first boats to pass by during the Blessing of the Boats portion of the Canyon Lake Opening Day of Boating Season. Photo by Aprile DeAnne McKinnon