Ben Franklin: In His Own Words

Ask Ben Franklin: In His Own Words

As part of Chautauqua’s annual Patriotic Speaker Series, the 2024 program will feature American patriot Ben Franklin. The performance will feature professional actor Barry Stevens as Ben Franklin. Meet and discuss events with this man, the most famous man in America at the time he lived. Franklin has a long list of accomplishments: printer, inventor (the Franklin stove, of course, the armonica, the lightning rod and an odometer, to name a few), scientist, politician, musician, postmaster, satirist and founder of the University of Pennsylvania and the first fire department in the colonies. In fact, Stevens says, Franklin is considered the “patron saint” of fire departments. As he traveled to locations throughout the Colonies, he was known as Dr. Franklin, and even traveled to Paris, France.

Barry Stevens has been presenting Benjamin Franklin while participating as a member of a company of Revolutionary War re-enactors since 2005. The performer has requested attendees to come with questions to “Ask Ben” which allows him to share historical information and anecdotes.

The performance is on June 30 from 4:30-5:30 at the Wawasee High School auditorium, in Syracuse Indiana. The program is free to attend.
Also in Syracuse, at 7:30, the annual Patriotic Pops concert by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra is performed on the lawn at Oakwood Resort.

Stop by the Chautauqua tent for a free flag and glow light. Attendance is free for this family-friendly event.
Visit us on Facebook, or give us a call at 574-377-7543 for more information.

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 hosted by Chautauqua Wawasee on Saturday, 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.

Oakwood Resort will partner with Tito’s Vodka, the dog lover’s vodka, to sponsor a pop-up bar and will match their proceeds to support New Hope Pet Rescue. They will also provide dog tag engraving and other goodies.

Lakeland Animal Clinic will also be on hand to scan your dog’s microchip implant.

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.

When: Saturday, June 22, 11:30 – 1 pm
Where: Oakwood Resort, Syracuse, Indiana
Tickets: Free…please register at the event.

Chautauqua-Wawasee and the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum will once again enjoy local historian Ann Garceau as she narrates a cruise of Lake Wawasee highlighting “Points of Interest” aboard the SS Lillypad II.

This event is always popular so get your tickets early.

Ann will share her knowledge about historic hotels, events, property owners, restaurants, entertainment venues, boat taxis, marinas, other points of interest, and little-known facts as the SS Lillypad proceeds around the shoreline of the lake. Snack food will be provided along with a cash bar.

Boarding begins at 12:45 at The Frog Tavern.
What: 2-hour Lake Wawasee Cruise
When: Thursday, May 16, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Where: The Frog Tavern, Syracuse, Indiana
You may purchase your tickets HERE, for $25 each

Don’t forget to check out our calendar and visit us on Facebook for details on all of the great events that Chautauqua Wawasee has to offer!

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!

Chautauqua-Wawasee is repeating last year’s successful “Lake Wawasee, Then & Now” presentation by local historian Ann Garceau of the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum.

As Ann shares interesting stories about historic structures that stood around the lake, you will be able to better visualize them with the aid of a provided pamphlet, Then and Now, picturing what you are hearing about while enjoying what is built there now. Among the places that Ann highlights will be the numerous hotels, marinas, entertainment venues, neighborhoods, and historic homes.  This event will sell out so buy your tickets early.

 

Purchase your tickets HERE.

Date and time: Thursday, September 26 · 1 – 3pm (Boarding starts at 12:45.)

Where: The Frog Tavern 1116 South Harkless Drive Syracuse, IN 46567

We have exciting plans for our third annual Family Fun Film Festival on August 5th, 2023. The Festival will showcase personal phone videos of people enjoying themselves while biking, boating, having fun on the water, or even just at home with their loved ones. Last year’s popular submissions included videos of pets having fun too, so don’t leave the fur babies out!

Once you upload your video to Dropbox, the Chautauqua Wawasee team will edit, add music, and organize it with other videos for a free one-time showing on Saturday, August 5th at 10:00 am at the Pickwick Theater in Syracuse, who has graciously agreed once again, to be our venue!

The submission process is simple and free.  Attending the showing at the Pickwick on August 5th is free.  Cash Prizes will be awarded for categories such as Best Dog Video, Best Kids Video, Best Tubing Fun, and more.   The goal is to create a cool Syracuse community video.

To upload your video and submit your contact information, you can easily access the link below or on our Facebook page. Get ready to have some fun and showcase your video skills! Two former Wawasee High School students, Matthew Withrich and Ryan Snider, are producing the film.

***We request that videos be no longer than 2 minutes in length and prefer that they are in landscape format. The subject matter should reflect “family fun”.

WHEN: August 5th, 2023 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am

WHERE: Pickwick Theatre in Syracuse

Please upload your “family fun” videos HERE no later than July 27th.

Check out the 2021 Film HERE.

Check out the 2022 Film HERE.

 

Chautauqua-Wawasee and the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum will once again enjoy local historian Ann Garceau as she narrates a cruise of Lake Wawasee highlighting “Points of Interest” aboard the SS Lillypad II.

This event is always popular so get your tickets early. Ann will share her knowledge about historic hotels, events, property owners, restaurants, entertainment venues, boat taxis, marinas, other points of interest and little-known facts as the SS Lillypad proceeds around the shoreline of the lake. Snack food will be provided along with a cash bar.

Date and time:

Location:

The Frog Tavern 1116 South Harkless Drive Syracuse, IN 46567

Tickets for this event are SOLD OUT.  Please keep your eyes open for details on our fall cruise in September!

Then and Now

Local historian Ann Garceau will narrate a Historical Cruise of Lake Wawasee aboard the SS Lillypad II

Chautauqua-Wawasee is repeating last year’s successful “Lake Wawasee, Then & Now” presentation by local historian Ann Garceau of the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum.

As Ann shares interesting stories about historic structures that stood around the lake, you will be able to better visualize them with the aid of a provided pamphlet, Then and Now, picturing what you are hearing about while enjoying what is built there now. Among places that Ann highlights will be the numerous hotels, marinas, entertainment venues, neighborhoods, and historic homes.

Date and time

Thu, September 29, 2022

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Location

The Frog Tavern

1116 South Harkless Drive

Syracuse, IN 46567

This event will sell out so click HERE to purchase tickets now!

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
Taps Across the Water at Dusk

Taps Across the Water at Dusk

Chautauqua-Wawasee and Syracuse American Legion Post #223 are collaborating for a Memorial Day tribute to honor veterans and those who have died in the performance of their duties while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Both solo and echo renditions of Taps will be audible depending on your location. Participating musicians include members of our community and surrounding areas, including veterans, community bands, high schools, educators, and professionals.

On Sunday, May 29, at 9:09 pm, Taps will be played simultaneously by buglers strategically placed on Wawasee, Syracuse Lake, and Papakeechie Lake. Taps will be audible on all three lakes. We are requesting one minute of silence starting at 9:08 prior to the performance.  Participating musicians include members of our community and surrounding areas, including veterans, community bands, high schools, educators, and professionals. The musical director is Dr. Matt Murdock, an educator who resides in North Webster.

 

What: Memorial Day Tribute

When: May 29, 9:08pm – 9:09pm

Where: Your pier, pontoon, the shore at public areas, Lakeside Park, Oakwood Resort lawn

See www.ChautauquaWawasee.org or Facebook or call 574-377-7543

Locations for this event are as follows-

Syracuse locations: pier 442, Syracuse public pier, pier 58

Papakeechie: water spill outlet

Wawasee locations: piers# 35, 58, 95, 123, 142, 143-J120, 153, 198, 304, 345, 435, 484, 559, 599, 640, 676, 694, 731,754, 795. 

You may also hear the event outdoor at the Channel Marker, Frog, Oakwood, the main channel bridge by the Channel Marker, and the public boat launch.