Many of those who join in St. Peter’s Fiesta this week talk of carrying on a tradition. and there is an opportunity to do that — literally.
Thomas Aiello is coordinating the toting of the oars of Gloucester fishing boats as part of the Sunday Procession of St. Peter through Gloucester’s streets.
“We are always in need of people of any age to carry one of the many oars representing Gloucester’s fishing fleet in Sunday’s Fiesta procession,” said Aiello, one of group of former oar carriers who work to keep the tradition alive as part of Fiesta.
“This is a chance to become part of a Fiesta tradition started by Sam Novello and the children of The Fort that dates back well over 60 years,” he said. “By carrying an oar you show your support for our fishing industry, both past and present, and all those who are a part of it.”
The are more than 100 oars marked with the name of a Gloucester fishing boat, past or present, representing the families that owned them and the families of the crew that served on them. Aiello said about half are kept in families’ homes and are brought each year for the procession.
Anyone interested in being a carrier can call Aiello or just show up on Rogers Street across from the St. Peter’s Club, near the front of the Oak to Ember restaurant, 11 Rogers St., and just to the side of the Fiesta altar and stage at St. Peter’s Square, around 11 a.m. Sunday, immediately following the outdoor Mass.
All of the carriers are asked, if possible, to wear white tops, carrying on a secondary tradition that began in the early 1960s, fell by the wayside in the late 1970s, then was revived in 2002.
Anyone seeking more information may contact Aiello at 508-284-9461.
By Times Staff
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