NATCHEZ — There won’t be a shortage of Fourth of July celebrations in the Miss-Lou.

While Independence Day doesn’t officially happen until Sunday, celebrating on Lake St. John will begin Saturday with the annual flotilla and fireworks show.

The “It’s five o’clock somewhere” themed floating parade is scheduled to set sail at 3 p.m. from Tom Bell’s property on the north side of the lake.

The traditional blessing of the boats will be at the Steckler family pier along the flotilla route.

Registration for the flotilla is $12 per boat and is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Neely’s Spokane Resort.

Public viewing of the flotilla is best at Spokane, Duck’s Nest II and The Dock.

Concordia Parish Sheriff Randy Maxwell will lead this year’s flotilla.

Awards will be given for the best decorated boat and pier. Pier judging is at noon and winners will be announced at approximately 2 p.m.

Winners from the flotilla will be announced at approximately 5 p.m.

The celebrating continues after dark with a fireworks display that should begin shortly after dark at approximately 9 p.m.

The celebrating will continue with fireworks Sunday at 9 p.m. on the Mississippi River Bluff.

This year’s display will be land-based, different from years past when the display lit up the sky from a barge in the river.

The fireworks display will be coordinated by full-service professional fireworks company in New Orleans, Pyrotecnico.

The event is sponsored by local businesses.