By April Garon

NATCHEZ — Witness a dazzling light show on the bluff and enjoy the spectacle of a colorful flotilla procession along Lake St. John to spark off the Independence Day weekend.

Only a slight chance of thunderstorms clouds the festivities today. For firework viewing, the evening is forecast to be relatively clear and comfortable, with temperatures in the mid 60s. Chances for storms increase throughout the weekend, while temperatures stay in the high 80s.

4th of July Fireworks on the Bluff

When the sun goes down over the water, spectators on both sides of the Mississippi will be treated to a fireworks show.

Watch colorful sparks blaze across the sky and the brilliant reflection from the river beneath.

To catch a prime viewing spot, come with your lawn chair to the Bluff along Broadway Street before dark. The show starts at approximately 9 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

Lake St. John Flotilla

The annual Flotilla parade at Lake St. John will offer event-goers a unique display of boats decorated for the weekend’s Independence Day festivities.

The parade will take place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and will begin with a blessing of the fleet by the Rev. Louis Skylar. Concordia Parish Sheriff Kenneth Hendrick will lead the procession from the north end of the lake. A fireworks display will follow the parade at approximately 9 p.m.

Registration to include your boat in the parade will run from 9 a.m. to noon at Spokane resort and costs $10. Boats will be judged on creativity of decorations.

For more information e-mail donnamaroon@aol.com.