Members of the Buyrite float accept the Commodore’s Cup from Fire Chief Mickey Scott, one of the Commodores for the event.
SYRACUSE — It was almost a perfect day for the 55th Wawasee Flotilla. The event got underway under cloudy skies at 1:29 p.m. 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 Mickey Scott, Kevin Grindle and 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 was 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.
Winners are:
Commodore — Buyrite Services
WPOA — Bob McNary Family
DNR — Oakwood Resort
List Family — Kroemer-Dulen Family
Wawasee History — Lakeland Youth Center
Indiana Bicentennial — Lemberg-Baker
Youth Spirited – Penny Nord
Neighborhood — Cindy and Dave Newcomer, Kale Island Christmas; Deb Farmer, second place.
Most Patriotic — Dennis Pynaert and Neighbors
Business/Commercial — Re/Max Partners
Most Spirited — Molly Marsh
Non-Profit — Habitat For Humanity
Most Original — Jody Julian
Youth — Best Gift Lakeside, first; Santa Express, second
Youth Inboard — Emma Johnson
Antique — Greg and Darla Brock
Wooden — Randall and Deborah Tobias
On shore winners are: Natalee Fuller, Pier 151, first; The Zipfel Circus, second.
Spirited — Wawasee Spink, first; Dave and Janine Hoover, second
Frosted — Barb and Jerry Cler
On Shore Patriotic – Al Campbell.
