Christmas comes to Lake Wawasee at 55th Flotilla

It was almost a perfect day for the 55th Wawasee Flotilla. The event began under cloudy skies at 1:29 p.m. Sunday, July 3, with close to a dozen wooden and antique boats kicking off the flotilla. The 20 flotilla entries fell in behind the Commodore’s boat for a trip around the lake.Many motored around the staging area to get a look at the entries, with hundreds anchoring near shore or coming out onto their piers to see the entries.Also seen around the lake were posters and banners thanking Turkey Creek Fire Territory for their service, some even thanking them for saving his/her life.The majority of the entries had Christmas the decorated theme, with others creating their own themes or celebrating the state’s bicentennial.Commodores — officers of the Turkey Creek Fire Territory, and judges had their hands full picking winners for the numerous awards.Commodores Fire Chief Mickey Scott, Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Grindle and EMS Captain Tony Meek chose the entry of Buyrite Services. The company utilized a barge, a Polaris transformed into Rudolph and Polar Craft loaded down with gifts complete with Santa.There were also a record number of shore and pier decorations.Everyone came out a winner.“What a great gift to see so many families and friends create fun memories on Lake Wawasee,” said Lisa Hill, Flotilla chairwoman.The Commodore Cup winner was announced immediately after the flotilla, with all other winners announced on the Flotilla Facebook page. Awards were presented Monday, July 4, at The Channel Marker.Votes will continue to be taken for the “People’s Choice” award, to be announced at the Flotilla Cruise on the SS Lilly Pad, Aug. 13. Votes can be cast through the Flotilla’s Facebook page.Winners are:Commodore — Buyrite ServicesWPOA — Bob McNary FamilyDNR — Oakwood ResortList Family — Kroemer-Dulen FamilyWawasee History — Lakeland Youth CenterIndiana Bicentennial — Lemberg-BakerYouth Spirited – Penny NordNeighborhood — Cindy and Dave Newcomer, Kale Island Christmas; Deb Farmer, second place.Most Patriotic — Dennis Pynaert and NeighborsBusiness/Commercial — Re/Max PartnersMost Spirited — Molly MarshNon-Profit — Habitat For HumanityMost Original — Jody JulianYouth — Best Gift Lakeside, first; Santa Express, secondYouth Inboard — Emma JohnsonAntique — Greg and Darla BrockWooden — Randall and Deborah TobiasOn shore winners are: Natalee Fuller, Pier 151, first; The Zipfel Circus, second.Spirited — Wawasee Spink, first; Dave and Janine Hoover, secondFrosted — Barb and Jerry ClerOn Shore Patriotic — Al Campbell.For photos of the winners, please click here...