Flotilla — ultimately from Old Norse floti, from French flotte, from Spanish flota; a fleet of ships. The Miss-Lou area was under French control from 1682-1762 and 1802-1803. In 1763, Britain and Spain both claimed parts of the territory. The Louisiana Purchase of 1803 from France brought Louisiana into the United States of America. Many languages, many cultures and many religions brought us to the gorgeous state we celebrate today. No matter what your language, culture, or your religion may be, the Lake St. John Flotilla is a celebration of all and for all.

Celebrate Independence Day at the 2016 flotilla on beautiful Lake St. John. A fleet of ships plus fireworks equals fantastic festivities for the whole family. This annual event will start at 2 p.m. Saturday July 2 at the north end of Lake St. John. The Blessing of the Fleet will be provided by the Rev. Paul Kunnumpuram from St Patrick Church in Ferriday. Each watercraft is sprinkled with Holy Water at the Steckler family pier, thus ensuring safe sailing. The water parade will begin with Concordia Parish Sheriff Kenneth Hedrick. Grand marshals Milton and Mary Catherine Rawles will open the flotilla.

The flotilla committee encourages everyone to come out and participate in the 2016 flotilla!

Registration is from 9 a.m. to noon at Spokane Resort. All participants must register their boat, pay a $10 fee and receive an event number. All registered vessels are entered to win prizes. An acceptable vessel is anything that floats and can maintain parade speed. First-, second- and third-place awards will be presented for overall 2016 Flotilla Winner — Large Life Ring, Large Craft Patriotic, Non-patriotic and Small Craft.

Celebratory flotilla T-shirts, tanks and posters will be available for purchase at Spokane Resort, Lake St. John Grocery and Rami’s Salon in Ferriday through July 2.

The glorious Fourth of July is a time for flag waving, a time to celebrate family and freedom and a time to thank God for our great country. We are so fortunate to live in the Miss-Lou area, where faith, family and freedom are treasured and commemorated. Come watch from The Dock or Spokane Resort for a great parade view.

The 22nd annual Lake St. John Flotilla promises to be a beautiful expression of God’s love for us and our love for God and Country.

Thanks to 107.1 and 104.7, this event will be broadcast live. The radio stations will provide random drawings throughout the day to lucky registered vessels.

Fireworks will commence at dark from the pier of Newt Willis. This is located directly across the lake from Spokane Resort and The Dock.

Following the explosive fireworks, join us at The Dock from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. and dance to the music of Bishop Gunn. The Dock will open as early as noon July 2 for your viewing of the Flotilla.

Flotilla, floti, flotte, flota, in every language, is an experience to enjoy. So no matter what your language, your culture or your religion may be, you are part of this history. We are all celebrating Independence Day together, united and free.

For further information, contact Donna Maroon at 318-481-0182.

See you at the lake, July 2!

 

Melissa Brown is an organizer of the 2016 Lake St. John Flotilla.