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Experience the Magic of the Old-Fashioned Christmas!

Experience the Magic of the Old Fashioned Christmas! 

Are you looking for a unique, fun-filled family activity to kick off the holiday season? Look no further than Chautauqua Wawasee’s Old-Fashioned Christmas! This beloved annual event in Syracuse is back and bigger than ever in 2024, offering even more family-friendly activities.

Highlights of the Celebration

  • Meet Santa and His Reindeer: Kids can enjoy a special moment with Santa and even pet his live reindeer!
  • Live Nativity: Experience the true meaning of Christmas with our live nativity scene.
  • Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides: Take a cozy ride through the festive grounds.
  • Enjoy a special reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas”: by one of Santa’s very own Elves!
  • Big Tree Lighting: Witness the magical lighting of our 50-foot Christmas tree, a highlight of the evening.
  • Reading of the Christmas Story: Join us at the historic Oakwood Chapel for a heartfelt reading of the Christmas story from the Bible, keeping Christ in Christmas.
  • Christmas Photo Booth: Capture the perfect family moment with our festive photo booth, complete with props and your phone’s camera.
  • Holiday Characters: Keep an eye out for Frosty, the Grinch, Rudolph, Buddy the Elf, the Toy Soldier, and the Gingerbread Man, who will be roaming the park for fun and photo opportunities.
  • Fun Holiday Games for Kids: Keep the kiddos entertained with fun games!

Event Details

  • When: November 30, 5:30 – 8:00 PM (Music starts at 5:30 PM- Activities start at 6 PM)
  • Where: Oakwood Resort,(outdoor event, so dress for the weather)-702 E. Lake View Road, Syracuse, IN
  • Cost: Free and open to the public!

Join us for an evening filled with joy, laughter, and holiday spirit! For updates and more details, check our Facebook page HERE. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Note: We hope for a bit of snow to enhance the festive atmosphere, but in case of severe weather, please check our Facebook page for updates.

Chautauqua Wawasee Old Fashioned Christmas

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Ball State Singers Return to Syracuse in 2025 – Don’t Miss This Unforgettable Performance!

Ball State Singers Return to Syracuse in 2025 – Don’t Miss This Unforgettable Performance!


The Ball State Singers are back in Syracuse, Indiana, for a highly anticipated performance on Sunday, February 16th, 2025, at 3:30 PM. Presented by Chautauqua-Wawasee, this exciting event will be held at the Wawasee High School Auditorium.

This talented musical ensemble offers a diverse and dynamic repertoire, including gospel, vocal jazz, swing, contemporary hits, romantic ballads, classical choral selections, barbershop, folk, patriotic standards, opera choruses, country, and novelty tunes. With a blend of small group performances, incredible soloists, and lively choreography, the Ball State Singers will deliver a 90-minute musical experience that you won’t forget.

Celebrate the return of Wawasee High School alum, Devin Van Lue, as part of this one-of-a-kind performance!

Devin Van Lue-Ball State University Singers

 

Event Details:

  • Date: Sunday, February 16th, 2025
  • Time: 3:30 PM (Doors open at 3:00 PM)
  • Location: Wawasee High School Auditorium, Syracuse, IN

Ticket Prices:

  • VIP Tickets: $20
  • General Admission: $10

The Ball State Singers are Indiana’s official goodwill ambassadors and have been recognized since 1964 as one of America’s top collegiate entertainment groups. Whether you’re a fan of jazz, classical, pop, or patriotic music, this performance offers something for everyone. Don’t miss this special opportunity to see one of the nation’s most acclaimed university ensembles right here in Syracuse.

Plan Your Visit:

Arrive early to explore local dining options before the show or enjoy a bite to eat afterward. Check out our calendar for more exciting Chautauqua Wawasee events – 2025 promises to be our best year yet!

Get Your Tickets Now!

Click HERE to purchase tickets on Eventbrite.

Make plans to join us for an afternoon of incredible music and entertainment with the Ball State Singers at Wawasee High School!

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Wawasee Fine Arts Festival at Oakwood
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10th annual Wawasee Fine Arts Festival at Oakwood

10th annual Wawasee Fine Arts Festival at Oakwood

Chautauqua Wawasee is hosting the 10th annual Wawasee Fine Arts Festival at Oakwood Resort on May 25th, which 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 to 35, ensuring there will be plenty to see in 2024! 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. Many of the designs reflect a Lake setting.

New this year is a Plein Air “paint out” sponsored by the Northern Indiana Plein Air Artists Association. Plein Air is the act of painting outdoors; the concept of landscape portraiture by which the artist paints directly onto canvas at the location of the landscape. These will all be paintings of the Syracuse/Wawasee area, and paintings made available for sale after awards are judged at 4:00 pm. For more information, please click HERE.

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. J-N-B Smokers, a BBQ food truck, is available as well as, popcorn, and ice cream by Sprinkle Express to cool off.

What: Wawasee Fine Art Festival at Oakwood
When: May 25, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: Oakwood Resort, Syracuse, Indiana
Cost: FREE to attend

Follow us on Facebook or give us a call at 574-377-7543

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Chautauqua’s Annual Fundraising Campaign A Success

Chautauqua’s Annual Fundraising Campaign A Success

Chautauqua Wawasee’s once-a-year annual fundraising campaign concluded successfully on January 8. “Due to the generous contributions of Syracuse and Wawasee residents, we blew over the top of our 2024 goal”, a grateful Mark Knecht shared. “Grant funding and donations are the lifeblood of our ability to offer life-enriching programs, most of them free to attend”.

Chautauqua Wawasee develops and sponsors programs in support of the four Chautauqua “pillars”: Arts, Education, Faith, and Recreation. “Our goal is to make Syracuse and the region a great place to visit, work, live, and raise a family” cited Mark Knecht, the organization’s president. “As a non-profit organization, our annual campaign is a significant and critical component of our financial budget.”

Among the programs donations support are the: Purdue Varsity Glee Club on March 1, Taps Across the Water at Dusk on May 26, Patriotic Speaker series featuring Ben Franklin on June 30, Pawasee Dog Parade on June 22, Stories of the Miami Peoples on September 7, Famous Hoosier series featuring John Wooden July 13, Old Fashioned Christmas, and twelve other programs. The majority of Chautauqua programs are offered at no cost to attend, so the support provided by the annual campaign makes these programs possible. Our team of 60+ volunteers is also a key element of our success in 2023.

Chautauqua Wawasee was founded in 2014 to provide the “Chautauqua Experience” for the Syracuse and Northern Indiana region. As a 501c(3) non-profit organization, grants and donations are the primary sources of revenue to support and provide programming.

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2023
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Chautauqua Wawasee Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration-2023

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!

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Patriotic Pops Concert

Patriotic Pops Concert-The Tradition Continues

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

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8th annual Wawasee Oakwood Fine Arts Festival

Chautauqua-Wawasee is holding the 8th annual Wawasee Oakwood Fine Arts Festival on May 28 in the park of Oakwood Resort in Syracuse, Indiana. This Festival brings together over 30 local and regional artists from around Indiana and beyond. All art has been juried to qualify for inclusion in the festival.  The beautiful outdoor setting provides a family-friendly environment. Children’s activities and playground are available. Food vendors are onsite for snacks and lunch, with outside seating available. Attendance is free. Stop by the Chautauqua booth for a free gift. The Art Festival will take place rain or shine.

What: Wawasee Oakwood Fine Art Festival
When: May 28, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: Oakwood Resort, Syracuse, Indiana
Cost: Free to attend
Follow us on Facebook, or give us a call at 574-377-7543

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