PEEPS + EATS

60 Years of Flotilla Fun

June 2021 marks the 60th anniversary of the first Wawasee Flotilla

story by reader Bill McCully | photos by Bill McCully + Lisa Hill

In early 1961, a casual conversation over drinks at The Pickwick Lounge in uptown Syracuse resulted in an idea. A great idea. Yes, even back in 1961, local businesses recognized the importance of the lake summer season to their businesses.

Local Chevy dealer Gordon “Short” McCormick suggested a Wawasee ‘water parade’ to celebrate the season and welcome back summer residents and visitors. His pals, Pickwick owner Jack Wells, conservation officer Earl Money, and Wawasee resident Jim McCully heartily agreed on the idea, and decided to pitch it to the local Chamber of Commerce.

Flotilla pics from the early ‘60s…

…and flotilla pics from recent days.

The Pickwick group was joined by Chamber president Tom Socks, along with other Chamber members to form a committee to plan a grand “Flotilla,” featuring decorated boats to circle Lake Wawasee on Father’s Day. The parade would feature a “Commodore” and “Top Pop” in honor of Father’s Day. Eli Lilly was named inaugural Commodore and Indiana Lieutenant Governor Richard Ristine was named “Top Pop.”

On a sunny Sunday, June 18, 1961, more than 70 boats gathered and proceeded along a three-hour route around the lake. Residents hosted large parties in their yards and on piers, while thousands watched from their boats (estimated attendance was 35,000).

The parade was an eclectic collection of entries including: a high school marching band, a Scottish piper band, a German jug band, and The Pickwick Orchestra. Boat entries included a 'Chinese Junk' and a 'Caribbean Banana Boat.'

A Tradition Was Born

The first flotilla was a huge success and set the stage for a 60-year Wawasee tradition. Among the most memorable Flotilla moments was a bet between McCormick and McCully that a new Chevy Corvair— perched upon a pontoon entry— would not make it around the lake on an especially choppy day. If it remained afloat, McCully would buy it. What happened? The Corvair awaited in the McCully driveway the next morning. Also, WOWO’s annual radio broadcasts of the event (and bet) were legendary.

Move to July Fourth

Eventually the parade moved from Father’s Day to Independence Day weekend. The Flotilla remained strong through the ’60s but waned in the early ‘70s. After a brief hiatus, the parade was resurrected through efforts led by local leaders Ted Rogers and Bill Beemer, among others.

Through the years, the Flotilla has become a cherished tradition by local and lake residents. On July 3, 2021, the Flotilla will celebrate the summer season, just as the inaugural event did in 1961 with the theme: “Celebrate the '60s!”