Lake Tippy Flotilla, Fireworks July 4

June 3, 2020 at 4:23 a.m.

By Staff Report-

The theme of the Lake Tippecanoe flotilla changes from year to year and is usually designed around a topic or current event.  

This year, the Lake Tippecanoe Property Owners is leaving the theme up to each individual floater. The 2020 theme is “FUN-A-PALOOZA.” Each floater can select their own theme, but it must be PG rated, according to a news release from Dan W. Drook, flotilla chairman.

As tradition has it, the flotilla will kick off at Patona Bay in front of the snack shop lake side at 1 p.m. July 4. The floats will travel the main basin of Lake Tippecanoe in single-boat parade style. Once the parade route is completed, the floaters will return to Patona Bay for presentation of the awards. Cash awards this year will be for first, second and third places, plus at the judge’s recommendation additional awards could be handed out to floaters who deserve “pat-on-the back” recognition.

This is a free event, but floaters must preregister to participate and qualify for awards. Registration will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. July 4 in front of the Patona Bay Snack Shop.

Floaters will be asked to provide type of boat the float will be built on or around, i.e. pontoon, ski boat, run about. This will help the judges identify who the float belongs to. In addition, the floater will be asked to provide their theme, and a brief description of the theme.

Upon registration, the floater will be given a number that is to be placed visibly on the port and starboard sides of the float.  During registration, personal distance will be provided and expected by each registrant.

The LTPO fireworks are a work of art, according to the news release. Launched from barges, the aerial event is demonstrated “with excitement and appreciation from the hundreds of boats who come out and blast their horns in applause.” People put out chairs, blankets and popcorn to watch from the shore. The 2020 event begins at 10 p.m. July 4.

Both events can be observed from the Tippecanoe Dance Hall with social distancing being encouraged.



The theme of the Lake Tippecanoe flotilla changes from year to year and is usually designed around a topic or current event.  

This year, the Lake Tippecanoe Property Owners is leaving the theme up to each individual floater. The 2020 theme is “FUN-A-PALOOZA.” Each floater can select their own theme, but it must be PG rated, according to a news release from Dan W. Drook, flotilla chairman.

As tradition has it, the flotilla will kick off at Patona Bay in front of the snack shop lake side at 1 p.m. July 4. The floats will travel the main basin of Lake Tippecanoe in single-boat parade style. Once the parade route is completed, the floaters will return to Patona Bay for presentation of the awards. Cash awards this year will be for first, second and third places, plus at the judge’s recommendation additional awards could be handed out to floaters who deserve “pat-on-the back” recognition.

This is a free event, but floaters must preregister to participate and qualify for awards. Registration will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. July 4 in front of the Patona Bay Snack Shop.

Floaters will be asked to provide type of boat the float will be built on or around, i.e. pontoon, ski boat, run about. This will help the judges identify who the float belongs to. In addition, the floater will be asked to provide their theme, and a brief description of the theme.

Upon registration, the floater will be given a number that is to be placed visibly on the port and starboard sides of the float.  During registration, personal distance will be provided and expected by each registrant.

The LTPO fireworks are a work of art, according to the news release. Launched from barges, the aerial event is demonstrated “with excitement and appreciation from the hundreds of boats who come out and blast their horns in applause.” People put out chairs, blankets and popcorn to watch from the shore. The 2020 event begins at 10 p.m. July 4.

Both events can be observed from the Tippecanoe Dance Hall with social distancing being encouraged.



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