The time to register vessels for the annual Blessing of the Fleet is nearing.

Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival organizers are seeking participants for the annual Blessing of the Fleet and water parade to be held in conjunction with the upcoming festival to be held Labor Day weekend. The event is sponsored by Tidewater.

The Blessing of the Fleet will begin at approximately 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 2, in the Atchafalaya River at Morgan City.

Registration forms and flags, which will be used to identify participants, can be obtained through the festival office beginning Thursday.

Festival organizers remind boat owners that no vessel will be allowed into the waterway during the event unless it is registered and flying the official flag.

Deadline for free vessel registration is noon on Thursday, Aug. 30.

For more information and to register a vessel, contact the festival office at 985-385-0703, or go to the office located at 715 Second St., Morgan City.