Looking for events to enjoy on the July 4th holiday weekend? We’ve compiled a list of events happening throughout Kosciusko County.
Syracuse
Syracuse will host the annual Flotilla Road Race at 8 a.m. Thursday, July 4. Registration will begin for the event at 8 a.m. at Lakeside Park. The Road Race features a 3.3 mile run/walk and a 8.3 mile run.
In addition to the Road Race, the Lake Area Community Band will be playing at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 4, in Syracuse. The event will feature a variety of concessions for visitors to enjoy as they listen to the band. Fireworks will be shot off over Syracuse Lake at dusk on Thursday, July 4.
The Syracuse Independence Day Parade will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 6. The parade will begin at the corner of Main and Huntington Streets and will proceed south to Huntington and Medusa Streets. In addition to enjoying the sights and sounds of the parade, visitors can enjoy the flavors and wares of the Artisan and Farmers’ Market taking place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. during and after the parade. The Artisan and Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday.
Lake Wawasee
Lake Wawasee will host its annual Wawasee Flotilla at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 6. Those interested in participating in this year’s flotilla are encouraged to contact the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce.
Fireworks will begin at dusk (approximately 10:15 p.m.) Saturday, July 6. Fireworks will be shot off over the lake.
North Webster
North Webster will host its annual Dixie Fireworks Cruise at 9 p.m. Saturday, July 6. The event will begin at the North Webster Town Park (at the Dixie dock). Get the best seat on the lake to watch North Webster’s spectacular fireworks display aboard Indiana’s oldest sternwheeler tour boat! The Dixie departs at approximately 9:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. with on board patriotic music. Concessions are available including Dixie popcorn, glow sticks, candy and soft drinks.
A limited number of tickets are on sale at Lakeview Pizza King ticket window by the boat dock. Sales start at 9 a.m. on Friday, July 5, and end when sold out. Only firework tickets can be used on the 9 p.m. cruise on July 6. Rain date will be Sunday, July 7.
Chapman Lake
Chapman Lake will a pancake breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 6, at the conservation building. In addition, the lake will host a Flotilla at 1 p.m. following the breakfast. Residents can enjoy fireworks over the lake on Saturday, July 6, at dusk.
Warsaw/Winona Lake
Winona Lake will kick off it’s celebration of Independence Day with the Cutie Contest on Wednesday, July 3. The event will be held at the Winona Lake Senior Center. Registration for the Prince and Princess Winona (3-4 year olds) will begin at 5 p.m. with a 5:30 p.m. start time. King and Queen Winona (5-6 year olds) registration will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a 7 p.m. start time.
The Winona Lake Parade will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 5. Registration for the parade will begin at 5:15 p.m. This year’s parade theme is “Winona Lake Centennial.” Parade awards will begin at approximately 6:45 p.m. at the center stage.
In addition to the parade, Friday will also offer families looking for free holiday fun free blow up activities. Blow ups will include an obstacle course, slide and bounce house. Blow up activities will be available for the public’s enjoyment from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. A live DJ will be playing a variety of music at the main stage for guests to enjoy from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. All activities will take place at the park between the senior center and town hall.
The annual Warsaw-Winona Lake fireworks display will take place over Winona Lake at dusk on Friday, July 5. Preceding the fireworks will be the Master Works Pops Concert at 8:30 p.m. Music will include: John Philip Sousa marches, Handel’s Royal Fireworks Music, Copeland’s Billy the Kid, John Williams’ Indiana Jones, Broadway songs, and a medley of Armed Forces music.
Those looking to stay active over the holiday weekend can participate in the Firecracker 5K at 8 a.m. Saturday, July 6. Registration for the race begins at 7 a.m.
The Winona Lake Flotilla Parade will take place at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 5 at the Winona Lake Shoreline. Food vendors, craft kits and games will also be available during Saturday’s festivities.
For questions or concerns contact Holly Hummitch at 574-267-2310.
Lake Tippecanoe
Lake Tippecanoe will host the Patona Bay Restort on Saturday, July 6. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will go to 10:30 a.m. at the picnic area.
The Charlie Brown 4th of July flotilla will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 6, at the sandbar in front of Patrons. Fireworks will take place at 10:30 p.m. Saturday, July 6, in front of the Lake Tippecanoe Canoe Country Club.
Dewart Lake
Dewart Lake will host the Dewart Lake Flotilla at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 6. The event will begin near the public access. No rain date is currently set. Fireworks will be shot off over the lake at dusk.
Nappanee
Nappanee will host the Big Cup Golf Tournament at 8 a.m. Thursday, July 4 at McCormick Creek Golf Course. In addition to the golf tournament, those looking to stay active can participate int he Junior Olympics at 8 a.m., hosted by the Nappanee Rotary Club, or the Youth Triathlon at 9 a.m. The triathlon is for children ages 9-13. Those interested in participating must pre-register. Further information is available at the city pool.
The afternoon will also offer visitors a variety of entertainment for the holiday. Face painting and a bake sale will be hosted by the NorthWood High School cheerleaders from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the park. Those looking to cool can attend a “free swim” from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the city pool or Waterball Contest at 1 p.m. sponsored by the Nappanee Fire Department.
Those with a more competitive streak may participate at 2 p.m. in the Tailgate Toss Tournament. Pre-registration is required and can be done at the Nappanee Legion or from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. the day of the event.
In addition to the Tailgate Toss, those wishing to showcase their talents can participate at 3 p.m. in Nappanee’s Got Talent. The event, which is sponsored by Downie Auto Sales, is open to participants of all ages and talents. Register at the stage between 11:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. to take part in the event.
A Digital Scavenger Hunt will be taking place at 5:45 p.m. in the park. Teams must have a camera and five people to participate. Questions pertaining to the event may be directed to Rocki Stillson at 574-253-2869 or by visiting the event’s Facebook page
As night falls visitors may enjoy entertainment on the stage leading up to the firework display shot off over the park. Fireworks will begin at 10 p.m. or dark. Food vendors will be available all day throughout the park. Other events available through the day include use of the horseshoe pits, sand volleyball courts and the skate park. Bring your own equipment to utilize these options.
Kosciusko County Fairgrounds
Lewis Salvage, in partnership with the Kosciusko County Community Fair, will bring demolition derby back to Warsaw at 4 p.m. Sunday, July 7, at the fairgrounds. Tickets for the event will be $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under. Proceeds will be donated in memory of Shaun Owens.
Warsaw’s first demo car raffle will also be held for $5 per ticket. The winner of the raffle receives a car to run in the day’s derby and keep if it survives the contest. Drivers are also wanted for demolition classes including compact, stock and modified. Cash prizes will be given to the winners.
Visit Lewis Salvage or the fair office for copies of the rules and info, or find them online at www.lewis-salvage.com and www.kcfair.org.
If you know of any additional events taking place locally for the holiday, please feel free to email alyssa@staceypageonline.com with the details.