Posts

, ,

Fort Wayne Philharmonic Patriotic Pops Concert Set for July 3, 2026

Patriotic Pops Graphic

Fort Wayne Philharmonic Patriotic Pops Concert Set for July 3, 2026

Chautauqua-Wawasee is pleased to help share information about the Fort Wayne Philharmonic’s Patriotic Pops Concert, returning to Oakwood Resort on Friday, July 3, 2026.

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. on the grounds of Oakwood Resort, located at 702 E. Lake View Road in Syracuse, Indiana. After a day on the lake, guests are invited to arrive by car or boat, relax, and enjoy an inspiring evening of music celebrating America’s spirit of freedom and adventure.

Guests planning to sit on the lawn are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets.

Family Fun Before the Patriotic Pops Concert

Beginning at 7 p.m., children and families can enjoy free pre-concert activities, including a face painter and balloon artist.

Children of all ages are also invited to stop by the Chautauqua-Wawasee tent for:

  • Free patriotic glow necklaces
  • Small American flags to wave during the concert
  • A copy of the evening’s music program

Patriotic Pops Concert Program Highlights

The Fort Wayne Philharmonic, led by Conductor Caleb Young, will perform a selection of popular and well-loved orchestral music. Featured selections include:

  • The Star-Spangled Banner
  • Armed Forces on Parade, honoring veterans
  • Suite from Independence Day
  • Harry’s Wonderful World
  • Traditional American marches and patriotic songs

Joe’s Ice Cream Supreme Raffle

As part of the evening’s festivities, concertgoers may purchase a $5 raffle ticket for a chance to win a $100 gift card from Joe’s Ice Cream Supreme.

The winner will be announced at the conclusion of the concert. Guests are encouraged to bring a few $5 bills and try their luck for a sweet prize.

Thank You to the Sponsors

The Fort Wayne Philharmonic’s Patriotic Pops Concert is generously sponsored by regional and local donors, including:

  • Steel Dynamics
  • Judy Pursley
  • The Weigand Family
  • Kay and James Young
  • Omer and Susan Kropf
  • Floyd and Betty Lou Lancia
  • Wawasee Property Owners Association
  • Marie Zacher Warshauer
  • Chautauqua Wawasee (Oakwood Foundation)
  • Kenneth and Lela Harkless Foundation
  • Gregory and Susanne Hoffman
  • Fred and Cindy Rasp
  • Janellyn and Glenn Borden
  • Donn and Linda Baird
  • Tim and Vicki Fiechter

Rain Location

In the event of rain, the Patriotic Pops Concert will be held inside the Oakwood Resort Event Center, located just up the hill from the Oakwood Resort.

Pops Concert Footer

by

A Patriotic Day to Remember in Syracuse

A Patriotic Day to Remember in Syracuse

Sunday, June 29th, was truly unforgettable as Chautauqua-Wawasee hosted a powerful Patriotic Speakers program and proudly co-sponsored the spectacular Patriotic Pops Concert at Oakwood Resort.

Teddy and Edith Roosevelt reenactors at 2025 Patriotic Speakers event, on stage and greeting attendees.

Teddy and Edith Come to Life

A Historical Performance with Heart

The day began at Wawasee High School, where 172 guests stepped back in time with Teddy and Edith Roosevelt: In Their Own Words. Larry and Julia Marple portrayed the Roosevelts, truly bringing the historical couple to life with humor, insight, and heart.

A Moment to Remember

A crowd-favorite moment came when Teddy and Edith Roosevelt stepped down from the stage to meet Theodore Yoder, the youngest attendee. After sharing the origin story of the famous teddy bear, Teddy personally presented Theodore with one of his own. The boy’s grin lit up the auditorium, perfectly capturing the heart of Roosevelt’s legacy and the spirit of the event.

📸Thanks to the support of volunteers like Sheila Miller, we captured several wonderful moments from the performance.

Scenes from Patriotic Pops 2025 concert, including orchestra under a tent, face painting, and board member, Mary Moretto, celebrating with flags.

A Record-Breaking Concert on the Lake

Music, Flags, and a Whole Lot of Spirit

Later that evening, the celebration continued lakeside at the Patriotic Pops Concert. Despite the summer heat, a record-breaking crowd of more than 1,800 guests filled the lawn at Oakwood Resort, with over 50 boats cheering and honking from the water.

The Fort Wayne Philharmonic, led by the energetic Caleb Young, delivered a vibrant performance filled with emotion and joy. Teddy Roosevelt, portrayed again by Larry Marple, returned to the stage to open the concert with a booming “Bully!” and a call for everyone to wave their flags.

A Night of Family Fun and Community Pride

Families enjoyed glow necklaces, free flags, face painting, and balloon art throughout the evening. The Syracuse American Legion Post 223 presented a moving tribute during the playing of the National Anthem.

From movie themes like Superman and Jaws (complete with audience participation) to patriotic classics like Armed Forces Salute and Sing Out America, the music filled the air with celebration and community spirit.

A Personal Touch to Close the Night

As the evening came to a close, conductor Caleb Young stepped into the audience, shaking hands and personally thanking more than 25 guests — offering a heartfelt conclusion to a truly remarkable day.

📸 Photo credit: Larry Baumgardt, who beautifully captured the spirit of the Pops Concert.

Large crowd seated on lawn chairs waving flags during Patriotic Pops 2025 event in front of Oakwood Resort.

Want to see more pictures of the event? Take a look at all of the festive photos on our Facebook Page!

by