Elvis and Lady Gaga were there, even Jimmy Buffet. A few Native Americans arrived, and even The Village People made an appearance. Even Dick Clark and guests at the American Bandstand joined in the fun. While Kiss and a few others didn't make it to the lake, they viewed the parade from the Spink.
These are just some of the entries for the 50the Wawasee Flotilla Sunday. The weather could not have been more cooperative.
"Thanks to the community for 50 boats for the 50 years," commented Holly Tuttle, Flotilla Committee.
Actually there were more than 50 boats for the 50th anniversary, which was a goal of Tuttle when plans began last year. There were 27 floats and 23 wooden/antique boats entered. Only a few did not appear for the Flotilla.
Tuttle and the committee are appreciative to the community for rallying to make this year's event a success and one of the largest flotillas in a number of years. "It was good to see businesses enter and first time entrants," she stated.
Judges for the floats had a tough time deciding who should take the prizes this year and wished there were more than three places to give out awards.
Also a success was the dance with the John Kirkwood Band Friday evening. The fundraising event for the Flotilla had approximately 175 people gathering to dance throughout the evening and enjoy the music. "Everyone had a great time," Tuttle reported.
Some have inquired about next year's theme. No decisions have been made and the committee will be meeting in the next few weeks to discus the 2012 Flotilla. Commodores Choice
Commodore Winner, chosen this year by the past commodores, was the entry titled "American Bandstand."
Entered by Donette Smock, East Island Avenue, Syracuse, the entry was a recreation of the favorite television show of many. Dick Clark was on hand to take requests and spin the music of the top hits while others danced on the boat.
Those on the boat included Donette and Ron Smock, Cindi Wells, Cindy Kaiser, David White, Ed Robinson and Jill Goldblatt.
"We had our theme for a long time," stated Ron Smock, noting he and his wife Donette, had all their friends from Alabama and Chicago putting parts together. "When they all arrived we assembled it. We had it planned out for a long time," stated Smock.
They did go all out even making White die his gray blond hair black to take on the personality of Dick Clark.
The group was sitting around the table on the deck when notification came they had won the Commodore's Trophy. "Everyone was really happy with all the work gone into winning it."
Winners
Jacqueline Nelson Family from Oakwood Park, spearheaded by her son Brett Nelson, was awarded the WPOA Award with their Village People entry.
Syracuse-Wawasee Trails Committee in a 1957 Chris Sea Skiff won the DNR Award.
A special award, Spirit Award, was given to the Spink Condominiums. The pier was filled with residents and a few special guests cheering on and helping to celebrate the 50th anniversary.
Category winners include:
Neighborhood - Jim Kroemer, North Pleasant Grove Road, Syracuse, with his "Elvis" entry, first; Tiffany Limbach, Greenfield with the entry "Jimmy Buffet"; A pirate looks at 40" second; and the entry of Frank and Jane Walker, Steve and Brenda Walker, North Sunrise Drive, Syracuse, titled "Wawapalooza" taking third.
Non-profit - Jerry and Mary Juergens for the National Guard, first; New Hope Pet Rescue, Syracuse, second; and Women of Today, third.
Business - Griffith's Wawasee Marina, first; Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce and Davidson's Pier, second; and State Farm Insurance with Lady Gaga, third.
Youth - Jack Hollingsworth, North Pleasant Grove Road, Syracuse, "Cypress Garden," first; Molly Marsh, East Island Avenue, Syracuse, second; Pat and Kathy Jones, East Constitution, Syracuse, "Grateful to be at Wawasee," third; and Bob and Sandy McNary, North East Wawasee Drive, Syracuse's entry with grandchildren of the "Tiki Belle," fourth.
Wooden boat winner was Richard Ecklebarger.
Antique winner was John Stump, East Northshore Drive, Syracuse, first with a 1955 Cris Craft and Dwayne Barrett, South Oakwood Drive, Syracuse, second, with a 1986 Century Arabian. |
