LAKE ST. JOHN &8212; Just because summer is gone doesn&8217;t mean Miss-Lou residents can&8217;t enjoy a day out on the lake.

The Lake St. John District Board will host their first-ever annual Harvest Festival at 2 p.m. Saturday.

&8220;It&8217;s going to be a great time where folks can bring a chair, an ice chest and themselves, and enjoy some good food and great music,&8221; Secretary Glenda Lewis said.

Lewis said the festival is a way for residents on the lake to meet their neighbors, meet the newly formed board and address any questions about the board&8217;s plans.

&8220;One thing the board will discuss and hear suggestions on is how to raise money for a new community center we would like to have for the lake,&8221; Lewis said.

Lewis said a community center on the lake would be useful for people who are interested in having parties, weddings and other events on the lake.

The festival will feature live music performed by lake residents, cake and potluck walks and raffles throughout the day, including a drawing for a muzzle-loader with a scope, Lewis said.

&8220;There will also be a face-painting booth for the children and a tent set up where folks can watch the LSU game at 2:30 p.m.,&8221; Lewis said.

Lewis said the board decided to have the festival in response to the growing population on Lake St. John.

&8220;A few years ago most houses were occupied by summer vacationers and fishing camp members who would only be here in the summer,&8221; Lewis said. &8220;But now we&8217;re getting more and more permanent residents like retirees and people who just want to make Lake St. John their home.&8221;

Lewis also said Louisiana Secretary of State candidate Andy Anders would be at the festival to speak and meet the board.

Admission is free but the board encourages participants to purchase Lake St. John T-shirts and decals for chances on the raffle items, Lewis said.