FERRIDAY &045; Al Ater has traveled to Europe and almost every state in the United States, but he can’t compare any place to the beauty of his home at Lake St. John.

Ater said some people take the natural beauty of the lake for granted.

&uot;When people live somewhere their whole life it’s hard to see how beautiful and unique (Lake St. John) is, really,&uot; Ater said.

Ater, first assistant secretary to the Louisiana Secretary of State, moved to Lake St. John a year ago with his wife and three children.

Penny Hammett still treasures the joys of her home after the nine years she has spent on the lake.

&uot;The best part of the lake is the sunsets,&uot; Hammett said.

The laid back atmosphere of Lake St. John helps Hammett cherish the natural beauty of life more than her Vidalia home, she said.

&uot;People living in town don’t really stop to look at the stars

like we do,&uot; said Hammett, who’s also a member of the Flotilla Committee.

Hammett’s husband built their home on the lake and has participated in the Flotilla decoration ceremony every year.

After 59 years of living on the lake, William Coleman said it’s the people that distinguish Lake St. John from other renowned pictorial places. Coleman is open to newcomers experiencing the hospitality and community of the lake.

&uot;We bring them into the family,&uot; Coleman said of new neighbors.

All three of these people were selected to be honored at the 13th Annual Lake St. John Flotilla and Blessing of the Boats. The event will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, with the sail ending at 4 p.m.

Coleman, who has a rich history surrounding the serene lake, said when three beautiful ladies drove into his yard and told him he was nominated to be the 2005 Flotilla king, he felt surprised and honored

A Queen’s Ball celebrating Al Ater as grand marshal, Penny Hammett as queen and William Coleman as king of this year’s Flotilla will be at 7 p.m. Friday at the dock on the lake.

Patricia Guercio, organizer and member of the not-for-profit Flotilla Committee, said the parade is a chance to display residents’ patriotism and love for the lake. The parade on water gives the opportunity to spend time with friends and family, while being entertained by decorations, prizes and a variety of performances. The band Full Moon will perform at the flotilla.

&uot;It celebrates summer and life,&uot; Guercio said.

There will be an admission fee to enter the dock; the fee amount was unavailable. To enter the decorating contest it is $5 a pier and $10 a boat. All proceeds from the parade will go to prizes and Concordia Parish charities. Boats don’t have to register to be blessed at the event, Guercio said.

&uot;The blessing ensures safe boating and a safe summer,&uot; she said.