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FERRIDAY, La. — Boats, banners, fireworks, and a whole lot of red, white, and blue are set to take over Lake St. John on Saturday for the 33rd annual Lake St. John Flotilla – a festive, family-friendly tradition that brings together residents and visitors alike for a patriotic celebration on the water.

Registration for both the boat parade and pier decorating contest will take place at Spokane Resort from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a $15 entry fee for each category. 

The highly anticipated boat parade kicks off at 2 p.m., with participants lining up at the north end of the lake. As is tradition, the event begins with the Blessing of the Fleet, this year led by Father John Pardue of St. Patrick Catholic Church, held at the Steckler pier.

Participants are encouraged to go all out with their decorations, as big prizes are on the line. The overall winner for the boat parade will win $1,000, with second place taking $750 and third place earning $500. 

The pier decorating contest will award $500 for first, $250 for second, and $100 for third. All piers must be fully decorated and ready for judging by 1 p.m. 

“You can enter any kind of boat — whatever you’ve got, as long as it can make it around the lake and doesn’t go too slow,” said Lake St. John Flotilla committee member Deanna Kimbro. “This is about having fun and showing your lake spirit.”

This year’s Grand Marshal is Ken Herring, the president of the Lake St. John Recreation and Water Conservation District. 

“He helps a lot of people around the lake and does a great job and we just wanted to acknowledge him,” Kimbro said. 

As the sun sets, the celebration concludes with a fireworks display at dusk, launched from the Steckler pier and visible all around the lake.

In addition to the boat parade and contests, organizers will be selling official 2025 Flotilla merchandise, including T-shirts ($30), hats, visors, koozies, and event posters. Merchandise will be available at registration, at Spokane Resort, Alligator Alley, and online through their Shopify store. 

A full list of event sponsors will be displayed on a banner at the event and shared via the Flotilla’s official Facebook page at facebook.com/lakestjohnflotilla.

Whether you’re cruising in a decorated boat, cheering from a festive pier, or just soaking in the lakeside atmosphere, the 2025 Lake St. John Flotilla promises to be a star-spangled Saturday to remember.

Follow the Flotilla on Facebook for updates and photos: facebook.com/lakestjohnflotilla.