Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SYRACUSE - It began as the Father's Day Flotilla in 1961.
This year, more than 40 boats will participate in the 37th Wawasee Flotilla at 1 p.m. Sunday on Lake Wawasee.
Trophies will be awarded to commercial, residential, youth, nonprofit organizations and antique/classic boat owners, as well as the commodore's trophy winner.
Harlan Steffen will serve as this year's flotilla commodore.
Born in Kidron, Ohio, in 1934, Steffen attended Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Ky., and graduated from the Associated Biblical Seminary, Elkhart. He and his wife, who are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary this year, have three children.
In the real estate business, Steffen enjoys golfing and has several church affiliations.
The Steffens have lived on Lake Wawasee for approximately 31 years.
The 23rd Annual Wawasee Flotilla Road Race will be Saturday at Lakeside Park. Sponsored by the Flotilla Days Committee, registration begins at 7 a.m. and all races begin at 8 a.m.
Awards will be given to the top three finishers overall as well as to the top three in each age group for male and female divisions. All registered participants will receive a 2000 Wawasee Flotilla Road Race T-shirt.
The Wawasee Property Owners Association's Independence Day fireworks will begin on Lake Wawasee at approximately 9:30 p.m. Saturday. This year, 6,000 shells are expected to explode in the finale alone. Nearly 22,000 total fireworks are expected.
WAWC 103.5 FM will play the music, which is to be synchronized with the display. The fireworks are expected to last 22 minutes.
Friday, from 4 to 7 p.m., the Syracuse Lions Club will hold its annual Jonah-style fish fry at the Syracuse Scout Cabin at Crosson Mill Park, West Henry Street.
The Papakeechie Protective Association will hold its annual craft and bake bazaar Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wawasee Family Fishing Area, on the southeast shore of Lake Wawasee.
On July 4, Lakeside Park will host several events. The Grassy Creek Cloggers and square and line dancing will be from 5 to 7 p.m. at the pavilion. Lake Area Community Band will present a concert of patriotic and other music beginning at 8 p.m. Fireworks will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m.
