Harleys and holy water

Take some Harleys, sprinkle some holy water, pour some gumbo and add in a touring run, a DJ and a band or two – and you get the 13th annual B.J. Stelly Memorial Bike Blessing in downtown Port Arthur.

More than 700 people and nearly 500 motorcycles were blessed March 22 at the annual blessing to benefit the Port Arthur International Seafarers Center. The blessing was held at the new Seafarer Center, 401 Houston Ave. at Procter Street.

The bike blessing by Father Sinclair Oubre, pastor of St. John the Evangelist, Port Arthur, and director of the Apostleship of the Sea for the Diocese of Beaumont, was followed by gumbo, a DJ and bands providing music for the crowd. Drawings for door prizes were held throughout the event.

ABATE Motorcycle Club coordinated much of the event. Sponsors included Sempra Energy, Broussard’s, Gulf Copper and Sabine Pilots.