Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
2025 programming was Chautauqua-Wawasee’s busiest ever as they had more than 100 volunteers who participated in 22 programs.
The year started with the return of the Ball State Singers in February.
For the first time, they offered an Old Fashioned Hymn Sing which resulted in overflowing attendance at the historic Oakwood chapel.
The Wawasee “Points of Interest” Historical Cruise held in early May is one of two historical cruises offered in partnership with the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum. This program, and the fall Wawasee “Then and Now” Cruise, have a loyal following and always sells-out.
They increased the number and variety of arts programs in 2025 by offering workshops on plein air painting led by Dave Broerman, pottery workshop led by Kim Marcadis and stained glass workshop led by Sally Manhken. Each were sold-out events.
The annual Wawasee Fine Arts Festival included the Plein Air Paint Out which drew a record turnout. This was the fifth year for the reverent Taps Across the Water tribute was on the Sunday before Memorial Day. The planned jet fly-over added a spectacular flair to the evening.
Teddy and Edith Roosevelt were featured for the Patriotic Speaker series and even introduced the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Pops concert with a rousing “Bully!” to the delight of the record turnout for this annual event at Oakwood.
The second annual Pawasee Dog Parade was held.
The Famous Hoosier Series featured Dr. Richard Gunderman’s presentation of Eli Lilly to an overflow audience that included Ted and Deborah Lilly.
The Revitalization of the Miami Culture program was presented by Logan York of Miami University’s Tribal Historic Preservation Office to an overflow audience at WACF’s Ruddell Pavilion.
The first Syracuse Ghost Tour was set to share stories about downtown Syracuse, but wind and rain caused rescheduling it to 2026.
The Old Fashioned Christmas was canceled due to a snowstorm, much to the chagrin of the many volunteers and more than 1,000 yearly attendees.
Chautauqua-Wawasee appreciate their many program partners including the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum, WACF, WPOA, Kiwanis, Oakwood, Wawasee High School, Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber, town of Syracuse and Lakeland Youth Center.
They thank their patrons who attend programs and the sponsors who help with funding that enables programs to be offered free to attend.
Keep up to date via their Facebook page, website (www.chqu.org) and subscribe to their e-newsletter.
