FERRIDAY — Independence Day celebrations will carry on starting at 2 p.m. Saturday with the 26th-annual Flotilla and Blessing of the Boats on Lake St. John.

For more than a quarter of a century, boaters have adorned their vessels with festive red, white and blue and other fun, themed decorations for a voyage across Lake St. John to be blessed for a safe boating season.

This year’s event will start at 2 p.m. and continue until nightfall, when the sky will be filled with a massive fireworks display, said Donna Maroon, Flotilla chairwoman.

The Rev. John Pardue will bestow his blessing on the boats before they are judged in both patriotic and non-patriotic categories. Winners will receive cash prizes and the first-place overall winner will also receive a large life ring.

Concordia Parish Sheriff Kenneth Hedrick and this year’s Grand Marshal Dave Pace will lead the boat parade.

Pace, a Natchez native, is owner of Brookhaven, Natchez and Old River Monument companies. He has been actively involved with the Flotilla and is a long-time supporter of Lake St. John, Maroon said.

Spokane Fishing Resort, 4269 Louisiana 568, Ferriday, is among the best spots for visitors to stand and watch the boat parade and later the fireworks show.

The entire event will be broadcast live on 104.7 FM The River radio station.

Commemorative T-shirts are available at Lake St. John Grocery, Rami’s and the Spokane Fishing Resort.

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