This dynamic singing and dancing troupe with gospel, vocal jazz, swing, and contemporary hits, utilizes small groups and outstanding soloists. The group will perform at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16 at Wawasee High School. Photo provided by Chautauqua-Wawasee.

By Karen Kroemer

Vice President Chautauqua-Wawasee

SYRACUSE — Due to strong financial support from the successful annual campaign and community grants, we are starting 2025 on strong financial footing. Get ready for the 2025 Chautauqua-Wawasee line-up of programs, our best year ever!

At 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, the Ball State Singers return. This dynamic singing and dancing troupe with gospel, vocal jazz, swing and contemporary hits, utilizes small groups and outstanding soloists. Tickets are $10 and $20 for this event at Wawasee High School auditorium. Tickets are available now at chqw.org.

A new program, Old Fashioned Hymn Sing, at 5 p.m. Sunday, April 13 will be held at the Oakwood Chapel. A song leader and a piano accompaniment will lead some of our most loved hymns.

Local historian Ann Garceau will narrate the popular Points of Interest Historical Wawasee Cruise on the SS Lillypad from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, May 17. Tickets will be available online soon.

The 11th Annual Wawasee Fine Arts Festival returns to Oakwood Saturday, May 24, with a Plein air art demonstration. The next week, May 28-30, you can sign up for Plein Air Workshop. There is a fee to attend the workshop.

The Patriotic Speaker’s series hosts Teddy Roosevelt and First Lady Edith Roosevelt at Wawasee High School 4:30 p.m. Sunday, June 29.

The annual Taps Across the Water at Dusk, 9:09 p.m. Sunday, May 25, on Memorial Day weekend, provides a time to pay tribute to veterans who sacrificed their lives for America’s freedom. The buglers will play on Papakeechie, Wawasee and Syracuse lakes.

Throughout the summer are opportunities to gather for a Wednesday night Plein air paint session. The dates are June 4, 11, 18, 19 and July 2, 9,16, and 23. These are free to attend.

Does your dog like to parade? On Saturday, June 7, dress up with your dog(s) and join the fun in our second annual Pawasee Dog Parade. You could win a prize!

The Patriotic Speaker’s series hosts Teddy Roosevelt and First Lady Edith Roosevelt at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, June 29, at Wawasee High School. Later that day, head over to the Oakwood Lawn for the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra’s Patriotic Pops concert, 7:30-9 p.m.

At 4:30 p.m. Saturday, July 12, we will highlight another famous Hoosier. This year will feature Eli Lilly, who was a successful businessman, philanthropist, and Wawasee resident for many years.

Two new programs, will get your creative juices flowing! First, a pottery workshop Aug. 14, 21, and 28, and second a stained glass workshop Sept. 4, 11, and 18. Each will meet for three consecutive Thursdays at the Syracuse Community Center. There is a fee to attend.

The Revitalization of the Miami Culture: Indiana and Beyond will be presented by Logan York, the Miami Tribal historic preservation officer at the WACF Pavilion 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 6.

Digging Through History, a two-day series with Pat Mooney, past-president of the Indiana Archeological Society, and Bryan Warder presenting a program on the pre-history of Northern Indiana, is 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, at the Syracuse Community Center. Join us the next evening, at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, to learn about the Life & Times of Potawatomi Chief-Five Medals.

Don’t miss the Wawasee Then and Now Historical Cruise 1-3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, narrated by local historian Ann Garceau. If you’ve ever wanted to know about Lake Wawasee history, this cruise is both enjoyable and informative!

Saturday, Oct. 18, join us downtown for a Syracuse Ghost Tour. What haunting secrets will you discover about our town?

The 2025 season ends with the annual community favorite old fashioned Christmas in Oakwood 5:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov.29, following Thanksgiving. This is a great family fun event!

The majority of Chautauqua programs are offered at no cost. Learn more and stay in touch with Chautauqua at chqw.org or ChautauquaWawasee on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for the e-newsletter by sending a request to [email protected].