The first Lake Oconee Blessing of the Boats, sponsored by WDDK 103.9 THE DOCK and presented by Lake Oconee Community Church (LOCC) was a great success.

Among the boats blessed was the historic Old Salem Fire Boat, which not only participated in the festivities but provided its signature water spray to add to the beauty of the day.

Dozens of boats gathered in the open water in the Great Waters area at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 6, and enjoyed a 15-minute radio presentation on Dock 103.9. At the blowing of the horns, boats were led in parade by the double decker “Spirit of Oconee” to where David Key, the “Chaplain of Lake Oconee” awaited. Each boat was blessed by Rev. Key and given a floating “Blessing of the Boats” keychain.

The boat decorating contest  was won by Tom and Margie Rouse and Verdain and Joyce Barnes. The quartet dressed as the Lake Oconee Community Church staff, and their boat was ready for church — complete with altar, candle, cross, Bible, flowers, the LOCC logo and the necessary keyboard.

LOCC is already making plans for next year! Be ready next May to decorate your boat and be a part of this fun way to celebrate summer on Lake Oconee.

To watch the Blessing of the Boats YouTube video, see pictures of the event, or to download a visit www.lakeoconee

communitychurch.com/blessing.