2016 Tippecanoe Flotilla contestants ready to sett off around Tippecanoe Lake.

LEESBURG — The 2016 Tippecanoe Lake Flotilla contestants and fans enjoyed the summer boating event, Saturday, July 2. This year’s flotilla theme was “Float Olympics.”

The main rules at the Tippecanoe Lake Flotilla that contestants must follow each year are to be enthusiastic and use creativity to flaunt the theme. Contestants displayed their imagination by decorating their floats “Olympics” style.

The flotilla began at the Patona Bay Snack Bar at 1 p.m. The floats then set off around Lake Tippecanoe and came back to the starting point.

Boat owners followed the floats on their boats around the lake. Some even brought their dogs along to enjoy the cool, breezy day.

Others desiring more speed cruised through the lake on jetskies. The flotilla was accompanied by patriotic music.

Two sheriffs, Steve Matthias and John Tyler, ushered the contestants on their patrol boats to ensure safety.

Judges, Dan Drook and Mike Kausel awarded contestants according to their effort in decorating their floats to match the theme and ability to “display fun seriously.”

Cash prizes were given to the top three contestants. In addition, a $25 award was given to every contestant as a “WOW” prize for their impressive work.

First place ($150): Erin McLure, “Red, White and Blue”
Second place ($125): Julia Bennett, “Cool Runnings”
Third place ($100): John Pater, “Tippy Wins Gold”

Some other themes that the flotilla contestants displayed were “1992 Dream Team,” “Tippy Summer Olympics 2016” and a basketball court theme.

Organizers of the event thank Pro Wake Watersports in North Webster for providing a boat for the judges.