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John Wooden

It is remarkable how little many Hoosiers know about the history of our state and the amazing people it has spawned. Some of the greatest athletes, composers, entertainers, entrepreneurs, innovators, leaders, musicians, philanthropists, politicians, preachers, public servants, scientists, teachers, and writers in U.S. history were nurtured by this soil.  Chautauqua-Wawasee has embarked on an annual series to highlight Hoosiers who have impacted America. John Wooden will lead off this series with a presentation by Dr. Richard Gunderman, author of the book “Hoosier Beacons”. When you hear his presentation, you will be amazed at the nature and accomplishments of the man discussed and you will want to be a better person by simply hearing about Wooden’s long and successful life.

WHEN: July 13, 2024, beginning with refreshments at 4:30 PM followed by the presentation from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

WHERE: Oakwood Resort, located at 702 E. Lake View Road, Syracuse Indiana.

Plein Air Workshop 2024
Chautauqua Wawasee and Northern Indiana Plein Air proudly present the Chautauqua Plein Air @ the Wawasee Fine Arts Festival on the grounds of Oakwood Resort. The art of painting will take place in the most desired location of the Oakwood Park neighborhood but artists may venture all of Lake Wawasee, Syracuse, and Syracuse Lake.
This event will take place on Saturday, May 25th from 8 am until 4 pm. Tentatively, check-in and stamping will be in Oakwood Park. We will be set up by the Gazebo at the Fine Arts Festival beginning at 7:30 am and then relocate to our festival location by 10 am.
As you complete your first painting, bring it over for display. It will allow visitors to see and possibly purchase it. No worries just go out and start your next painting. We will work on the sale. We will process the sale for a 25% fee.
Paintings to be judged should be dropped off by 3:30 pm.  Judging will be promptly at 4 pm. With awards at 4:30 pm. With this great event there will be 5 merit awards @ $200 opportunity to display, and hopefully the selling of your works of art. Artists may enter 1 plein air painting for competition judging. All others may be displayed for sale.
During the day refreshments will be provided at the event table. Light lunch will be provided at noon. Artist will need to pick up their lunch at the event table.
More details and more opportunities will evolve and will be emailed to all registrants the week of the event. For up-to-date information be sure to follow us on Facebook and check our web page at www.northernindianapleinair.org
Registration is:
Members $15 (2024 Paid Membership)
Nonmembers $20

Pawasee Dog Parade at Oakwood Resort 2024

Pawasee Dog Parade. June 22 at Oakwood Resort.

Come paw-ty at the fur-st Pawasee Dog Parade at Oakwood Resort, hosted by Chautauqua Wawasee on June 22. The parade will follow a one-quarter-mile route within the grounds of Oakwood Resort. This family event is really about showing off your best friend in our dog-loving community.
Participants are encouraged to decorate carts, wagons, strollers, and leashes, as well as dress up with their dogs. Awards will be presented to the best-dressed dog, best dog trick, best tail wag, and other categories…Fur-real.
Special O.P.S. K-9 Academy will provide an obedience demonstration along with a few tricks. They will also show off some special dog grooming ideas and hand out dog froyos (frozen yogurt formulated for dogs).
You can learn more about Syracuse’s own New Hope Pet Rescue and its efforts to rescue dogs and cats and place them with loving families. They will also be available to discuss how you can adopt a pet.
Syracuse-Wawasee Trails will provide information about our community’s dog-friendly trail system. They will also have a dog kissing booth and a local dog biscuit maker on hand.
This event is free, but participants are encouraged to make a $15 donation. All of the money raised will go to New Hope Pet Rescue.

You are invited to Chautauqua Wawasee’s annual Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration!

This family-friendly occasion is perfect for people of all ages, including moms, dads, grandpas, grandmas, and kids. Come and see your favorite holiday characters such as Santa, the Grinch, Frosty, and more. Join us in the chapel for a reading of the Christmas story, and don’t forget to visit our live reindeer and take a family photo at our photo booth. The event will also feature caroling, musical groups, and many other activities.

The event will take place on November 25th from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at Oakwood Resort in Syracuse, Indiana. The Christmas tree lighting ceremony will take place at 6:15 p.m., so make sure to arrive early to take part in this magical moment. The best part? This event is completely FREE!

Please note that this is an outdoor event, so make sure to dress appropriately for the weather. Stay in touch with us at www.chqw.org or visit our Facebook page.  You are also welcome to give us a call at 574-377-7543 if you have any questions.

The event is jointly sponsored by the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation and the Town of Syracuse Parks Department.

 

WHEN: November 25th, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  (Tree lighting at 6:15 p.m.)

WHERE: Oakwood Resort Lawn- 702 E. Lake View Road, Syracuse Indiana

COST: FREE!

Patriotic Pops Concert

Patriotic Pops Concert-The Tradition Continues

Don’t miss the annual Patriotic Pops concert, featuring the Fort Wayne Philharmonic on Sunday, June 30th. This incredible outdoor event will take place on the Oakwood Resort lawn and is overflowing with the American Spirit!

Enjoy an evening of music featuring popular songs including Armed Forces Salute, Presidential Polonaise, and Sing Out America, concluding with the 1812 Overture. Led by Music Director Andrew Constantine, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic invites the public to attend. Be sure to bring a chair or blanket, or you may even anchor your boat near the beach at Oakwood Resort.

The whole family is welcome to attend. The concert starts at 7:30, but come early to enjoy a balloon artist and face painting for the kids. Don’t forget to stop by the Chautauqua-Wawasee tent to receive a patriotic gift.

This year’s concert is made possible by generous donations from various organizations and individuals, including the Kosciusko County Community Foundation, Steel Dynamics Foundation, Chautauqua-Wawasee, Wawasee Property Owners Association, Harkless Foundation, Judy Pursley, Jim & Kay Young, and Al Zacher.

 

WHEN: June 25th, 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: The lawn at Oakwood Resort in Syracuse, Indiana

The 9th Annual Wawasee Fine Arts Festival at Oakwood is an annual event that features a diverse range of fine art, including pottery, watercolor, oil painting, jewelry, and specialty art made from natural materials such as wood, glass, or metal to create beautiful, one of a kind pieces. This year, the number of artists has grown, jumping from 28 to 35, ensuring there will be plenty to see in 2023! All art has been juried to ensure suitability for this event. We strive to provide “fine art” products from true artisans, so you’ll be sure to find that perfect treasure to take home.

The festival will take place outdoors (rain or shine) in a beautiful lakefront park setting at Oakwood Resort in Syracuse, Indiana. Various activities, both recreational and artistic are available for children, so we encourage you to bring the whole family along to enjoy the day as there will be something for everyone.

Food and drinks will be available from on-site vendors or you may visit Oakwood’s Pier & Back Porch Restaurant

WHERE: Oakwood Resort 702 E. Lake View Road Syracuse, Indiana
WHEN: May 27th, 2023  9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
ADMISSION: FREE!
PARKING: FREE!

Yes, there was a Huge Turnout for Old Fashioned Christmas! And oh what a night! The weather was perfect so families turned out in throngs for the 3 rd annual event that starts the Christmas season. Families began arriving at 5:30 to enjoy Christmas music, receive a glow stick, a program with activity map, and take pictures with holiday characters such as Frosty, Gingerbread Man, Grinch, Toy Soldier, elves, and others. None of the activities were available to enjoy until after the Big Tree lighting. So, anticipation was high for a visit with Santa for children, pictures at the family fun photo booth, listening to “The Night Before Christmas” read by an elf, visiting the live reindeer, and taking the horse-drawn wagon ride around the park. The live nativity had both reverent observers and those who came up to observe the baby Jesus closely. The Chapel was a warm refuge to hear the Bible reading of the true Christmas Story. And like every year, cookies, hot cocoa and s’mores were consumed by the warmth of a fire pit.

And there were some changes this year. The most obvious was the 20×40 foot stage that was loaned by the Nappanee Chamber of Commerce. This enabled two musical groups, The Chain Gang and Winona Lake Brass Quintet, to be more visible and to be heard. Phil Metcalf again served as the Master of Ceremonies. Another new element was the t-shirt toss by the Grinch (Tami Schumm) who threw out twenty green Chautauqua Wawasee kids t-shirts from the stage to screaming children. Also new was the wagon ride, which replaced the sleigh ride. Due to its large capacity, more peoplewere able to enjoy the ride pulled by two horses. But what about the lighting of the 70-foot tree? Anticipation was high as 6:15 approached for the lighting and countdown. Oakwood Resort owners, Dr. Rex Parent and his wife Connie, had the honor this year to lead the countdown with the entire crowd joining in: ten, nine, eight….one, MERRY CHRISTMAS…and the huge tree sprang to colorful life as everyone sang We Wish You a Merry Christmas, We Wish You a Merry Christmas…and Happy New Year.

Chautauqua-Wawasee organizes Old Fashioned Christmas as a free gift to the community with active participation from the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, Syracuse Parks Department, Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce, Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum, Wawasee Property Owners Association, Rotary, Oakwood Resort, Nappanee Chamber of Commerce, Wawasee High School Tech Department. Kip Schumm is the Program Manager who orchestrates the huge effort in recruiting vendors, 70+ volunteers, and partners. And thanks to these businesses who contributed: Jasper Plastics, Bass Audiology, The Papers Inc., Los Toritos Mexican Restaurant, Man Cave Brewing, Pickwick Theater, Colbin Tool Co. and WPOA.

2022 Cliff Kindy Workshop

2022 Cliff Kindy Workshop

What if Christians had the passion for peacekeeping that warriors have for war?
Participate in an evening with author and peace-seeker Cliff Kindy, an Indiana organic farmer.
Cliff will share about his many Christian Peacemaker Team journeys (Iraq, Sudan, Iran…), and how he became part of CPTs. The workshop will explore and discuss how Christians who are passionate about peace (everywhere) can pursue the vision of peacekeeping.  Cliff’s session promises to be eye-opening and extremely moving.

Cliff’s book Resurrection Peacemaking recounts his thirty years working with Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT), facing violent, unjust regimes in Iraq, Colombia, Israel/Palestine, Nigeria, Mexico, and other trouble spots around the world. Cliff and other CPT volunteers have repeatedly put their lives on the line as they chose to accompany targeted and beleaguered indigenous people who were striving to end violent occupation and warfare in their own lands.
This striving is not only for far-away peoples. It is for us.

Cliff says, “Why will people be willing to risk their lives to confront violence or injustice? For me, that willingness is grounded in the gospel story of Jesus’ resurrection. For others, it will be based in love and goodness. Nonviolence for me is powered by the spirit of resurrection on Easter; it topples empires. But it also exposes the practitioner to transformation; all parties are transformed, or better, ‘plowshared’. Are we willing to nurture our imaginations and take the risks required to replace violence with nonviolence? If so, how would this change America, in terms of policing, politics, wars, family disputes, mass killings, and criminal justice?”

What: Presentation/Discussion/Workshop
When: Sept 28, 6:30-8:30pm
Where: Oakwood Resort Event Center
Cost: Free– Please REGISTER HERE for this event

Patriotic Pops Concert-The Tradition Continues

The Fort Wayne Philharmonic is returning to Syracuse after a one-year absence to perform the annual patriotic pops concert at Lake Wawasee on Sunday, June 26.   The concert is held outdoors on the lawn of Inn at Oakwood Resort.  

This concert is a celebration of the American Spirit, featuring songs such as Armed Forces Salute, Presidential Polonaise, Sing Out America and others, concluding with the 1812 Overture.  The public is invited to attend, bringing a chair or blanket, or anchor your boat near the beach at Oakwood Resort Inn. The Fort Wayne Philharmonic is led by Andrew Constantine, Music Director.

The whole family is invited.  The music starts at 7:30; come early to enjoy a balloon artist and face painting for children’s fun and entertainment.  Stop by the Chautauqua-Wawasee tent to receive a patriotic gift. 

This year’s concert is made possible by gifts from Kosciusko County Community Foundation, Steel Dynamics Foundation, Chautauqua-Wawasee, Wawasee Property Owners Association, Harkless Foundation, Judy Pursley, Jim & Kay Young, and Al Zacher. 

2022 Featured Artists

Wawasee Oakwood 2022 Featured Artists

Here is the list of the incredibly talented artists that will be at this year’s Wawasee Oakwood Fine Arts Festival!  We have entered websites wherever possible so you are able to take a “sneak peek”.

Nikki Addington Stained Glass & Epoxy Resin
Paul Albritton Jewelry
Norah Amstutz Ceramics www.norahruthpottery.com
Patrick Appenzeller Matted and Original Prints
Brad Baker Acrylic Painting
Richard Barnhart Wood    www.pawpawpaddleworks.com
Andrea Bojrab Oil Painting www.andreabojrab.com
Jan Campbell Alcohol Ink, Acrylic, Wood Felting
Lisa Cooper Mixed Media Art Quilts
Daniel Driggs Oil & Acrylic Painting www.DanielDriggs.com
Anita Driscoll Jewelry www.etsy.com/shop/CuteByNatureJewelry
Barbara Eden Jewelry
Beth Forst Oil Painting www.BethForst.com
Katherine Gaff Ceramics www.katherinegaff.com
Tyler Hamilton Jewelry www.spectralstone.com
Randall Harden Oil & Acrylic Painting www.randallscottharden.com
Anji Hensley Mixed Media Capricious Whimsy/Instagram
Fred Inman Wood Turning & Scroll Saw www.iwoodartist.wordpress.com
Lynn Kee Pebbles, Driftwood, Beach Glass www.facebook.com/groups/lakeshorecreations/
Julie Kuhn Metal
Sally Mahnken Stained Glass  
Sunday Mahaja Metal Sculpture www.mahajaarts.com
Kim Marcadis Ceramics https://marcadisarts.wixsite.com/home
Claire McGrath Silverware
Rick Reiff Pottery & Photography Facebook: ReiffHaus
Kelly Roth Pottery Facebook & Instagram @ Kelly Pottery Design
Ron Richcreek Pottery
Golden Seaton Mixed Media Facebook: Just Golden’s
Nannette Swaidner Gourd Art http://Gourdsbymckenzies@facebook.com
Deborah Swihart Hand-Painted & Brick-Stitched Wood 
Ann Szeplaki Oil Painting & Jewelry www.ann-szeplaki.fineartamerica.com
Elizabeth Wamsley Clay https://artbankgallery-studio.godaddysites.com