Boat blessing kicks off Springfield boating season

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — Springfield's boating season kicked off with a boat blessing Saturday afternoon.

Elks Lodge partnered with local and state organizations to bless the boats of those who were interested.

Organizers say the event is meant to promote boat safety on Lake Springfield.

They also say the blessing is non-denominational and that anyone with a boat could come out...

"He will be blessing the boats with holy water and maybe it will splash on some people who might need it so it's really a wonderful thing that we are doing to kick off the boating season," said Sandra Regue, president of the Elks Club.

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The U.S. Power Boat Squadron was on hand to provide free safety inspections as well.