SYRACUSE — It was almost a perfect day for the 55th Wawasee Flotilla. The event got underway under cloudy skies at 1:29 p.m. with close to a dozen wooden and antique boats kicking off the flotilla. The 20 flotilla entries fell in behind the Commodore’s boat for a trip around the lake.

Many motored around the staging area to get a look at the entries, with hundreds anchoring near shore or coming out onto their piers to see the entries.

Also seen around the lake were posters and banners thanking Turkey Creek Fire Territory for their service, some even thanking them for saving his/her life.

The majority of the entries had Christmas the decorated theme, with others creating their own themes or celebrating the state’s bicentennial.

Commodores – officers of the Turkey Creek Fire Territory, and judges had their hands full picking winners for the numerous awards.

Commodores Mickey Scott, Kevin Grindle and Tony Meek chose the entry of Buyrite Services. The company utilized a barge, a Polaris transformed into Rudolph and Polar Craft loaded down with gifts complete with Santa.

There was also a record number of shore and pier decorations.

Everyone came out a winner.

“What a great gift to see so many families and friends create fun memories on Lake Wawasee,” said Lisa Hill, Flotilla chairwoman.

Winners are:

Commodore — Buyrite Services

WPOA — Bob McNary Family

DNR — Oakwood Resort

List Family — Kroemer-Dulen Family

Wawasee History — Lakeland Youth Center

Indiana Bicentennial — Lemberg-Baker

Youth Spirited – Penny Nord

Neighborhood — Cindy and Dave Newcomer, Kale Island Christmas; Deb Farmer, second place.

Most Patriotic — Dennis Pynaert and Neighbors

Business/Commercial — Re/Max Partners

Most Spirited — Molly Marsh

Non-Profit — Habitat For Humanity

Most Original — Jody Julian

Youth — Best Gift Lakeside, first; Santa Express, second

Youth Inboard — Emma Johnson

Antique — Greg and Darla Brock

Wooden — Randall and Deborah Tobias

On shore winners are: Natalee Fuller, Pier 151, first; The Zipfel Circus, second.

Spirited — Wawasee Spink, first; Dave and Janine Hoover, second

Frosted — Barb and Jerry Cler

On Shore Patriotic – Al Campbell.