‘One of the biggest’ flotillas at Lake Wawasee
By Deb Patterson
Editor-In-Chief
This year’s Wawasee Flotilla, with the theme of “Proud to be an American,” is going down in the record books as one of the biggest.
“It was by far the most participated year with the theme,” said Holly Tuttle, co-chairman, and echoed by her husband Tom, who added “It was a good turnout.” Holly Tuttle stated there were 25 floats, 10 onshore and 15 wooden/antique/classic boats that registered. “It is families like these that make this tradition worth continuing,” she said. Both expressed appreciation for those who participated to keep up the tradition.
Healthcare Heroes were this year’s commodore and were represented on the commodore’s boat by Dr. Jay Asdell and nurses Cathy Campbell and Ashley Lozer. It was their task not only to lead the flotilla but to choose the winner of the prestigious Commodore Trophy. Their choice was the entry by the Chamness family from East Pickwick Park Drive, Syracuse.
The American History entry featured forefathers of the country, complete with wigs and attire. The family, shocked at the announcement at first, cheered enthusiastically after being told to come and accept the Warsaw Cut Glass Commodore Cup. The family had worked hard to create their float and had discussed that morning where they would place the Commodore’s Trophy. It will go on the mantel.
“The stars (and stripes) aligned for Flotilla this year,” said Chuck Chamness. “Our family has “quarantined” at the lake since March, giving us time and extra hands to conceive of and execute the float. We were motivated to bring home the Commodore’s Cup to honor my mom, Luanne Morris Chamness, who has enjoyed visits here for most of her 84 years and was watching from shore. It was inspired by our cousins, the Moto Morris family of pier 71, who won the cup in 1993 with the iconic “Welcome Zebra Mussels” float. And our vision was made complete by the Pahuds of pier 68 who lent us priceless artwork for the effort. It was a fun and memorable day, and we appreciate all the volunteers who make it possible.”
Other winners included:
WPOA — Women of Today
DNR — James and Windy Hampton
It’s All Good — John Topham
Greatest Generation — Lindsey Traub
Lady Liberty — Christy Cobbum
Lake Wawasee History — Perry Glaney and Dean Lantz
Most Patriotic — The Johnsons
Most Enthusiastic — Deb Farmer
Neighborhood — Williams/James Family
Flotilla “Seal” — Jim Kroemer
Business/Commercial — T.L. Jackson
Most Original Business/Commercial — Lynn Reecer
Betsy Ross Award — Mike and Mary Viioli Family
Youth — Lyndan Tenney, first; Tyson Niles, second
Most Original Youth — Smoker/Steele Families
God Bless the USA — Richardson Kids
Red, White and Boom — Kathy Graham
Proud to be an American — Jim Klotz
Healthcare Heroes — Price Family
First Responders — Silvermen
Antique Boat — Bob Fanning, first; Gene McNichols, second
Wooden Boat — Kevin Walbridge, first; Brian Hull, second
Classic Boat — Jack Hollingsworth, first; Jim and Kay Young, second
Shore Award
Shore awards were divided between neighborhoods and associations. Those awards included:
Independence — Spink Condominium
Healthcare Heroes — Arnold/West
Wawasee Seal — Wawasee Beach Club
Red, White and Boom — Jaclyn Glaser
USA — Steve and Terry Coyle
Association — Mates, Ennis, Stumpf, Garafalo families
Lake Wawasee — Zipfel Family
Betsy Ross — Jason Metz