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Teddy and Edith Roosevelt_Featured Patriotic Speakers_2025

Teddy and Edith Roosevelt Come to Life at Chautauqua-Wawasee’s 2025 Patriotic Speaker Series

Larry and Julia Marple portraying Teddy and Edith Roosevelt during Chautauqua-Wawasee’s 2025 Patriotic Speaker Series in Syracuse, Indiana

Experience history as President Teddy Roosevelt and First Lady Edith Roosevelt come to life at the 5th Annual Patriotic Speaker Series, presented by Chautauqua-Wawasee. This free program features professional actors Larry and Julia Marple portraying the 26th President and his wife, bringing their stories, passions, and era to vivid life.

Join us on Sunday, June 29, 2025, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. at the Wawasee High School Auditorium in Syracuse, Indiana.


About the Program

Teddy and Edith Roosevelt will discuss major topics of the early 1900s, share personal stories from their lives together, and reflect on their love for nature and conservation.

At age 42, Teddy Roosevelt became the youngest person ever elected President of the United States. As president, he reshaped the executive office, promoting social justice, regulating American industry, and laying the groundwork for modern governance.

In addition to his political achievements, Roosevelt was a celebrated author, big game hunter, and world adventurer. Conservation was central to his legacy—Teddy Roosevelt protected over 200 million acres of land for future generations and championed the healing power of nature throughout his life.

Edith Roosevelt will offer insights into her role as First Lady, describing the challenges and joys of being “the woman behind the man.” She will share how she managed official communications and family matters while supporting her husband’s dynamic presidency.


Event Details

Date: Sunday, June 29, 2025
Time: 4:30–5:30 P.M.
Location: Wawasee High School Auditorium, Syracuse, Indiana
Admission: Free and open to the public


Additional Festivities in Syracuse

Later that evening, enjoy the annual Patriotic Pops Concert by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra on the lawn at Oakwood Resort.
The concert begins at 7:30 P.M., and attendance is free. Visit the Chautauqua tent for a complimentary flag and glow light for the whole family!


Learn More

For full event details, follow us on Facebook or call 574-377-7543.

Ball State University Singers to Perform in Syracuse: A Musical Event You Won’t Want to Miss!

Chautauqua-Wawasee’s 2025 Spring Musical Program is set to delight audiences with a performance by the renowned Ball State University Singers. Known as an elite musical show choir, this group of talented students—singers, dancers, instrumentalists, and sound technicians—will bring their extraordinary energy to Syracuse in an unforgettable 90-minute performance.

The show will take place at the Wawasee High School Auditorium and promises to feature an exciting mix of popular hit songs and musical theater favorites. Under the expert direction of Jodi Cotton-Street, the performance will celebrate timeless themes of faith, hope, laughter, and love, all brought to life through uplifting and inspiring music. Many choir members hail from local and regional high schools, making this performance a special homecoming for these talented and accomplished artists. For more insights into the event, read Devin Van Lue’s article here.

Ball State University Singers Syracuse Performance


Event Details:

  • When: February 16, 2025, from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM (Doors open at 3:00 PM)
  • Where: Wawasee High School Auditorium, 1 Warrior Path, Syracuse, Indiana
  • Tickets:
    • General Admission: $10
    • VIP Section: $20
      Tickets can be purchased HERE.

*You may also purchase your tickets at the door!*


About the Program and Chautauqua-Wawasee

Our mission at Chautauqua-Wawasee is to provide life-enriching experiences through the arts, education, faith, and recreation. Sponsored by the Chautauqua-Wawasee Oakwood Foundation Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, this program reflects our commitment to supporting the arts and creating meaningful events that bring the community together.

For more information about the program, visit Chautauqua-Wawasee’s website or follow them on the Chautauqua-Wawasee Facebook page.


Contact Information:

  • Questions? Contact us at info@chautauquawawasee.org or call 703-489-7124.
  • Photo Credit: Doug Clements

Don’t miss this incredible performance by the Ball State University Singers—an evening of joy, inspiration, and musical brilliance awaits! Reserve your tickets now for this unforgettable experience.

Exciting News: Chautauqua-Wawasee’s 2025 Calendar of Events is Here!

We are thrilled to unveil our incredible lineup of programs for 2025! This year, Chautauqua-Wawasee has a mix of cherished favorites and exciting new events to engage, inspire, and bring our community together. From arts and culture to history and nature, there’s something for everyone!

Highlights of 2025

  • New programs like the Old-Fashioned Hymn Sing (April 13), Stained Glass Workshop (September 4, 11, 18), and the Syracuse Ghost Tour (October 18) are sure to become instant favorites!
  • Beloved classics such as the Wawasee Fine Arts Festival (May 24), Taps Across the Water (May 25), and the Old-Fashioned Christmas (November 29) are back to bring joy and tradition.
  • Family-friendly events like the Pawawsee Dog Parade (June 7) and the Patriotic Speakers-Teddy and Edith Roosevelt (June 29) promise fun for all ages.

🗓️ Mark your calendars now and plan to join us in Syracuse, Indiana, for these unforgettable experiences!

We cannot wait to see everyone again and create lasting memories together. Be sure to check out the full calendar above for all dates, times, and program details. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember!

Follow us on Facebook or call 574-377-7543 for more information.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our 2024 Chautauqua Wawasee Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration Sponsors

As the 2024 Chautauqua Wawasee Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration draws near, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to the incredible sponsors who make this cherished community event possible. Their support helps bring the magic of the holiday season to life in our beautiful lakeside town, and we are so grateful for their generosity.

A big thank you to:

  • Bass Audiology
  • Beyond Landscaping, Inc.
  • Crossroads Bank
  • Dockside Gifts & Apparel
  • Harkless Foundation
  • Jasper Plastics
  • Jeff & Carrie Herdrich
  • Kiwanis Club of Wawasee
  • Kiyomi Japanese restaurant
  • Lakeland Youth Center
  • Leading Edge Countertops
  • Main Channel Marina
  • Myra & Howard Brembeck Foundation
  • Oakwood Resort
  • Pat’s Chicago Dogs
  • Sands Accounting Inc.
  • Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce
  • Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum
  • Teghtmeyer Ace Hardware
  • The Papers, Inc.
  • Town of Syracuse (Parks Dept)
  • Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation
  • Wawasee Boat Company
  • Woman of Today
  • WPOA

Your support, whether through financial contributions, resources, or volunteer efforts, helps create a warm and festive atmosphere that brings our community together. Thanks to your involvement, the Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration will continue to be a beloved tradition for years to come—one that families and friends of all ages can enjoy.

As we prepare for the season’s festivities, we are reminded of the power of community. You are all essential in making this event a success, and we truly couldn’t do it without you. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for helping us celebrate this magical time of year!

Wishing you all a joyful and blessed holiday season. We look forward to celebrating with you at the 2024 Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration! 🎄✨

With gratitude,
The Chautauqua Wawasee Team