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2025 Points of Interest Cruse-Narrated by Ann Garceau
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Wawasee “Points of Interest” Historical Cruise – May 17, 2025

🚤 Wawasee “Points of Interest” Historical Cruise – May 17, 2025

If you’ve ever wanted to step back in time while enjoying the beauty of Indiana’s largest natural lake, this is your chance. The Lake Wawasee historical cruise is back for 2025—an unforgettable two-hour event aboard the SS Lillypad II, brought to you by Chautauqua-Wawasee and the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum.

Local historian Ann Garceau will narrate the cruise, highlighting fascinating “Points of Interest” along the shoreline. Learn about the lake’s rich past as you float past sites of historic hotels, entertainment venues, marinas, and more. You’ll receive a map of the lake so you can follow along during the journey.

🎟️ Tickets:
This event sells out quickly, so don’t wait! Purchase your tickets in advance!

🗓️ Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025

  • Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Boarding begins at 12:45 PM)

  • Location: The Frog Tavern, 1116 S Harkless Drive, Syracuse, IN

  • Ticket Link: Click HERE to purchase

📍 What to Expect:

  • A narrated tour of historic and lesser-known spots around Lake Wawasee

  • Insight into past events, property owners, boat taxis, and restaurants

  • Snack food provided and a cash bar available onboard

  • A relaxing and educational afternoon on the lake

📞 Questions?
Contact Chautauqua-Wawasee:
Phone: 574-377-7543
Email: info@chautauquawawasee.org

Chautauqua-Wawasee is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to offering quality programming centered on Arts, Education, Faith, and Recreation—enhancing life in Syracuse and the surrounding region.

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Plein Air Summer
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2025 Summer Plein Air Events

Chautauqua-Wawasee in Collaboration with NIPAA Present

2025 Summer Plein Air Events

Commissioned Lake House/Syracuse Scenes Painted for You | May 23-24

Syracuse residents, if you would like a special commissioned piece of your lake house, cottage, or favorite lake/Syracuse scene, 20 artists will be available to paint these commissioned art pieces during the Chautauqua Plein Air Paint Out on May 23-24.

Contact: Dave Broerman at northernindianapleinair@gmail.com
Deadline: May 1st for cost and complete details.

11th Annual Wawasee Arts Festival & Plein Air Art Demonstration and Sale

Come and see a live demonstration of Chautauqua Plein Air Artists at the 11th Annual Wawasee Fine Arts Festival on the grounds of Oakwood Resort on Saturday, May 24, from 9 AM – 4 PM.

At the conclusion of the Art Festival:

  • NIPAA will award prizes
  • Completed Plein Air Art will be for sale all day

Plein Air Workshop | May 28-30

Location: Each day will be a different location around Lake Wawasee and Syracuse Lake
Time: 10 AM – 4 PM
Instructors: Award-winning Plein Air Artist Mary Ann Davis, assisted by David Broerman, founder of NIPAA
Cost: $300
Register HERE

  • Equipment, paint, canvases, and lunch provided
  • Limited to 12 participants

Chautauqua-Wawasee and the Northern Indiana Plein Air Artists Association are collaborating to offer a three-day Plein Air Workshop from May 28-30.

Plein Air is the act of painting outdoors, capturing landscapes directly onto canvas at the location of the scene. This workshop will focus on creating stunning landscapes, featuring:

  • Live demonstrations
  • Personal painting time with one-on-one coaching
  • Topics Covered:
    • Linear perspective
    • Creating thumbnail sketches
    • Composition choice
    • Palette and local color selection
    • Underpainting and finishing techniques

About Award-Winning Plein Air Artist Mary Ann Davis

Mary Ann Davis enjoys the challenge of painting on location and is recognized as one of Indiana’s premier Plein Air painters. Her paintings, known for their emphasis on color and atmosphere, have been featured in:

  • Plein Air Magazine
  • American Art Review
  • Pastel Journal
  • Southwest Art Magazine
  • Two Painting Indiana books

Davis exhibits widely, winning top awards, and is known as an exceptional artist and instructor. She is a signature member of:

  • American Impressionist Society
  • MidAmerica Pastel Society
  • Plein Air Artists Colorado
  • Chicago Pastel Painters

Having achieved the prestigious title of Indiana Artisan, her work can be seen at the Indiana Artisan Gallery in Carmel and the Brown County Art Guild in Nashville.

Free Wednesday Evening Paint Outs at Lake Wawasee | 6 – 8:30 PM

Dates: June 4, 11, 18, 25 & July 2, 9, 16, 23

Are you a beginner landscape painter looking to try Plein Air painting? Or a seasoned painter wanting to paint with others? Join David Broerman and fellow artists to paint in and around Wawasee and Syracuse.

Meet-Up Location:
Wawasee Fine Arts Gallery at South Shore Social at 6 PM, then relocate to the painting location.

What to Expect:

  • David Broerman will assist beginners and provide helpful painting tips
  • Limited Plein Air equipment available for participants to use
  • Sessions are free

Click HERE for more information.

Join Us for an Incredible Summer of Plein Air Art!

Whether you’re looking for a custom painting, a live art experience, or a hands-on workshop, there’s something for everyone at the 2025 Summer Plein Air Events.

Questions? Contact: northernindianapleinair@gmail.com

Follow Chautauqua-Wawasee and NIPAA for updates and announcements!

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Taps Across the Water-2024

Taps Across the Water

The annual tribute of Taps Across the Water is set for Sunday, May 26 for Lake Webster, Lake Wawasee, Syracuse, and Papakeechie Lakes. This event honors United States military personnel who died serving in the U.S. Armed Services. Trumpet players are distributed across the lakes and perform an Echo Cascading Rendition of Taps. With a staggered start, Taps is heard across the lakes for nearly four minutes from one side to the other. Participants and attendees share their experiences as reverent, contemplative, and memorable.

Dr. Matt Murdock, an educator who resides in Indianapolis and North Webster, has assembled nearly 40 bugler and trumpet players for two programs, one in North Webster and one in Syracuse. Participating musicians include members of our community and surrounding areas, including veterans, community bands, high school students and music directors, and professional musicians. Dr. Murdock makes the point “We are connected and inspired by Jari Villanueva’s Taps Across America. One of our goals is to bring awareness of the shortage of live trumpet players at military funerals. Jari retired from the U.S. Air Force, where he spent 23 years with the USAF Band in Washington, DC.” Murdock goes on to say, “As educators, it is our responsibility to instill in our students, especially those in high school bands, a sense of obligation to our communities. They may not fully realize the services they provide, whether it’s boosting school spirit at athletic events or fostering community spirit by participating in festivals. This event presents the students an opportunity to promote this experience personally with the intent of continuing community service after graduation.”

North Webster

A Memorial Service is planned for 6:15 p.m. at the Lake Webster Town Park. Participants and sponsors include the American Legion Post #253 and Dixie Sternwheeler. Following the service, musicians leave by pontoon for their designated locations around Lake Webster. Taps will be performed from piers at 6:30 p.m.
Following the Taps remembrance, a Trumpet Ensemble Concert of patriotic music will be performed at 7:00 at the Town Park. The Ensemble is composed of the trumpet players who sounded Taps during the ceremony. After the concert, many of the performers will travel to Syracuse to participate in the Wawasee, Syracuse, and Papakeechie Lakes program.

Syracuse

Chautauqua-Wawasee, Syracuse American Legion Post #223, and approximately 40 trumpet players, are collaborating for a Memorial Day weekend tribute on Lakes Wawasee, Syracuse, and Papakeechie.

The event starts with a trumpet ensemble concert of patriotic music at the Oakwood Resort gazebo on Sunday, May 26, from 8:10 to 8:40. Then the 40 musicians move to their designated locations distributed strategically around the three lakes to play Taps simultaneously at 9:09 pm. We ask that all guests observe one minute of silence at 9:08 p.m.

 

We are providing these maps as a guide, and ask that you please keep in mind that we put a lot of effort into carefully planning these locations. However, the direction of the wind can sometimes affect how the sound travels, and we’ve been made aware that it can make it difficult to hear. We’d also like to mention that many of our buglers are high school students with busy schedules. We apologize if you miss out on hearing the tribute as planned, but we are sure you can understand that many young people don’t have much control over their schedules and therefore may find themselves in a position in which they would possibly have to choose another obligation over the Taps Across the Water event at the last minute.

We genuinely appreciate your understanding and thank you for your patience, as so many things, including the fact that it’s a busy holiday weekend, can be a factor in hearing (or NOT hearing) this beautiful tribute despite our very best efforts.

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2024 Lake Wawasee “Points of Interest” Historical Cruise

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
THIS EVENT HAS SOLD OUT. Please join us on our fall cruise!

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!

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Lake Wawasee “Then and Now” Historical Cruise

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
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Taps Across the Water at Dusk- Memorial Day tribute

Chautauqua-Wawasee and Syracuse American Legion Post #223 are proud to present Taps Across the Water; a Memorial Day tribute that acknowledges and honors the sacrifices made by veterans and those who have fallen while serving in the United States Armed Forces. This solemn event will feature solo and echo renditions of Taps, and the participating musicians will include members of the community and surrounding areas, such as veterans, community bands, high school students, educators, and professionals.

The tribute will take place on Sunday, May 26th, (at dusk) at 9:09 pm, and will feature buglers playing Taps simultaneously, strategically placed on Wawasee, Syracuse Lake, and Papakeechie Lake. A jet fly-over will precede the playing of Taps.  Attendees can expect to hear Taps on all three lakes. To ensure that the tribute is given the respect it deserves, we kindly request that everyone observe one minute of silence starting at 9:08 pm, immediately prior to the performance. The musical director of this moving event is Dr. Matt Murdock, an esteemed educator who resides in North Webster.

We hope that you will join us for this moving and meaningful tribute, as we pay our respects to those who have served our country with honor and distinction.

Beautiful photo, courtesy of Larry Baumgardt.

 

What: Memorial Day Tribute
When: May 26, 9:08pm – 9:09pm
Where: Your pier, pontoon, shore at public areas, Lakeside Park, Oakwood

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

 

 

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Lake Wawasee “Points of Interest” Cruise- Narrated by Ann Garceau- SOLD OUT

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!

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Sold out
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Lake Wawasee “Points of Interest” Historical Cruise- 2022 SOLD OUT

THIS EVENT HAS SOLD OUT, but don’t worry, we will be releasing information on our fall cruise soon! 

 

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.

Again, this event will sell out so buy your tickets early.

Boarding begins at 12:45 at The Frog Tavern.
What: 2-hour Lake Wawasee Cruise
When: Thursday, May 19, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Where: The Frog Tavern, Syracuse, Indiana
You may purchase your tickets HERE, for $25 each
or www.facebook.com/ChautauquaWawasee/

Don’t forget to check out our calendar for more great events!

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Historical Cruise of Lake Wawasee- SOLD OUT

Chautauqua-Wawasee and the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum are once again having local historian Ann Garceau narrate a Historical Cruise of Lake Wawasee aboard the SS Lillypad II.

This popular event is always a sell-out 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 clockwise around the shoreline of Lake Wawasee. Snack food will be provided along with a cash bar.

This event will sell-out so buy your tickets early.

Boarding begins at 12:30 at The Frog Tavern.

What: 2-hour Lake Wawasee Cruise

When: Thursday, May 20, 1:00 – 3:00 pm

Where: The Frog Tavern, Syracuse, Indiana

Tickets are $25.00 and can be purchased here.

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Fall Cruise – Lake Wawasee – “Then and Now”

Chautauqua-Wawasee has asked local historian Ann Garceau of the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum to share her knowledge of the history of Lake Wawasee.  During the cruise, a booklet showing pictures of cottages “then” and “now” illustrates the changes around the lake.

This event is always a hit, and always is a sell-out so buy your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

What:  2-hour Lake Wawasee Cruise

When:  October 7, 1:00 – 3:00 pm; boarding begins at 12:45

Where:  The Frog Tavern, Syracuse, Indiana

Tickets: $25 here

 

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