LAKE ST. JOHN — The Rev. Louis Sklar stood on the Steckler family pier at Lake St. John Saturday afternoon, but he wasn’t there to catch a tan, swim or head out on the water.

Sklar, who is the pastor of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Ferriday, was there with a container of Holy Water to bless the boats on the lake as part of the annual Lake St. John Flotilla, which takes place every year in Concordia Parish.

Sklar blessed boats that rode by the pier, in hopes that they have a safe year out on the water.

Boats of all shapes and sizes came by for a blessing, each one thanking Sklar for the sprinkling of Holy Water that touched their vessels.

“This is something people count on each year,” Sklar said. “It is important to the people.”

Blessings weren’t the only things being given out on the lake Saturday. Prizes were also awarded to boats that participated in the boat-decorating contest.

The Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office’s police boat led the way for the more than 20 floating parade entries that made their way around the lake, stopping to receive their blessing from Sklar along the way.

Patriotic-themed boats commemorating the upcoming Fourth of July holiday filled the parade line, along with at least three boats themed after the popular television show “Swamp People.”

After each boat went by, a panel of four judges voted to see who would take home the top prize in both the large and small craft categories.

The judges said they were looking for creativity and enthusiasm from the boat entries.

The U.S. Navy Seals helicopter themed boat took home first place in the large craft category, as well as the best overall boat in the flotilla.

In the small craft category, a “Swamp People” themed boat took home the first place prize.

Flotilla attendee Brian Lorrie said the helicopter boat deserved the first place finish it received.

“It was incredible,” he said. “It was like watching a chopper float out on the water.”

Lorrie said all the boats in the contest were impressive, and he had a great day out on the lake celebrating the upcoming holiday.

“There is just something about this time of year and being on the lake,” he said. “The Fourth of July, boats, beer and friends, what more could you ask for?”

Attendee Caitlyn Newsome said she couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend her Fourth of July weekend.

“We usually go to the flotilla, but I missed it last year,” she said. “It feels good to be back enjoying the show.”

Newsome said she planned on having her boat blessed by Sklar, because she wanted to have another safe year out on the water.

“This has a lot of meaning to me,” she said. “I try to incorporate God in every part of my life, so why wouldn’t I trust him to protect my boat with a blessing from one of his workers.”

While the day was about having fun and sharing good times with one another, Sklar also reminded every boat that passed by to be sure to continue their blessed weekend by attending church today.

“Don’t forget to go to mass,” he said to each boat as he blessed them. “We have services at 9:35 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.”

Lorrie said he was planning on attending church today, but he wasn’t sure if he was going to be able to make it to the early service.

“I guess it depends on how late this flotilla keeps me out,” he said.

• Large Craft Winners4 First place—Navy Seals helicopter-themed boat.

• Second Place—Dukes of Hazzard themed boat.

• Third Place—Swamp People themed boat

• Fourth Place — Afterglow Tanning’s Goddess of the Glow-themed boat.

• Fifth Place —“Let the good times roll” themed boat.

Small Craft Winners

• First Place — Swamp Peopl- themed boat.

• Second Place — Little Patriotic-themed boat.

• Third Place — Red balloon Patriotic-themed boat.