LAKE ST. JOHN, La. — About 50 decorated boats — and more than 30 other watercraft whose owners wish for them to be blessed by local priests — are expected to take part in the Eighth Annual Blessing of the Flotilla today.

Norma Jean Price, a longtime resident of the area, will serve as this year’s flotilla queen. The flotilla parade will begin at 2 p.m., with awards going to the best patriotic, non-patriotic and small craft entries as well as an overall winner.

As in previous years, the parade is open to anything that floats and can maintain parade speed. Previous years have seen boats decorated as alligators, armadillos, a giant beer cooler, a sinking Titanic and a carriage drawn by giant seahorses. Decorated piers will also be judged at 1 p.m., with a coveted Lake St. John Flotilla Pier Champion life ring going to the most patriotic pier.

Grand Marshal Clyde Ray Webber, who has spent his free time at the lake ever since his childhood in the late 1940s, called the flotilla &uot;one of the really big events of the year for Lake St. John.&uot;

The event serves as a chance for pontoon boats, fishing boats and even personal watercraft to be blessed by the Rev. Anthony Dharmarj of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and the Rev. Alfred Camp of St. Mary Minor Basilica.

The event’s organizers use some of the proceeds from flotilla registration to financially help a needy family at Christmas.

&uot;And if there is some left over, we’ll probably donate it to the Guardian Shelter, the United Way and the Special Olympics,&uot;&160;Webber added.

In addition, a fireworks display will be held at 9 p.m. Saturday at the lake.

Major sponsors include The Sports Center/Rex Sporting Goods, Waste Management’s Plantation Oaks Landfill and Oldies 107.1.