The Lake St. John Flotilla is on this year and will be at 2 p.m. Saturday to celebrate the “Blessing of the Fleet.”

The flotilla will be led by Sheriff Randy Maxwell and will start on the lake near Lake St. John Grocery at 2 p.m. This will be the 16th annual Flotilla (1992-2008).

The blessing will take place at the Steckler’s pier and the boat judging will be at Lynn James’ pier.

The 2008 Flotilla T-shirts are $15 and are available at Afterglow Tanning Salon in Vidalia, Colvin’s Pharmacy in Ferriday, Lake St. John Grocery on Lake St. John, Neely’s Spokane Resort on Lake St. John and Tiki Hut on Lake St. John.

Boat registration for the Flotilla will be at Neely’s Spokane Resort from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and then from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

This year we have a special celebration because any proceeds from the Flotilla will go into the Martha D. Paul Memorial Scholarship Fund.

So come on out to the lake and join in on all the fun! You can decorate anything that floats and can maintain a slow parade speed. Also, this year 107.1, The River has donated a special two-person cruise to be given away to one of the registered boats during the Flotilla. We will also have many other prizes.

This is one of the most anticipated events on the lake and in the community each year. Please show your support and enter a boat or come out and enjoy all of the activities during the day. The Lake St. John Pier judging will be at 6 p.m. Saturday. New for 2008, at 9 p.m. there will be an extra special fireworks display, across the lake from The Dock (sponsored by the community and organized by The Dock). Also, as a tradition, even though no king and queen were selected this year for the Flotilla, we would like to invite anyone and everyone, especially the past Kings and Queens to party at The Dock at 9 p.m. Friday.

The Flotilla Committee wants to thank all of our sponsors for making this year’s Flotilla possible. The Flotilla would not be possible without your support.

A special thanks to Michael Ferguson and Betty Paul for making this year’s Flotilla the best ever! For any additional information please contact Michael Ferguson or Ryan Paul at 318-547.9018. Thanks again to the community for sponsoring the 2008 Flotilla. I look forward to seeing you there.

Ryan Paul is the organizer of the 2008 Lake St. John Flotilla.