This entry by Mike and Sandy Mathews, featuring their granddaughter, Eme, as Lady Liberty, was the winning entry in the Waubee Lake Flotilla. The Mathews boat also featured flags from each military branch. Photo by Lauren Zeugner.

Text and Photos
By Lauren Zeugner
InkFreeNews

MILFORD — The third annual Waubee Lake Flotilla had six participants deck out their pontoons in a patriotic theme earlier this afternoon, Saturday, July 5. The winning boat received $50.

Participating in this year’s flotilla were Jim and Ann Auer; Mike and Sandy Mathews; Dave and Elsa Bontrager; Mike and Jane Bontrager, John and Patty Gaut; Al and Terry Santucci; and Eldon and June Siedner.

“It’s just something fun to do on the water,” said Corey Thompson, president of the Waubee Lake Association. As the first to show up for the flotilla, the Auers had the honor of leading the flotilla around Lake Waubee as shortly after 2 p.m. the Waubee bell was rung to let residents know an event was taking place.

The winner of this year’s flotilla was Mike and Sandy Mathews, who decorated their pontoon with full-size flags from every military branch. Their granddaughter, Eme, was on board wearing Lady Liberty’s crown and holding her torch.

Spectators came out to wave, wave American flags, clap in support  or just watch as the boats went by. Several had their piers decorated with yellow balloons designating where veterans lived. Others watched from kayaks and other small water craft.

Thompson said he expected some residents to join the flotilla even if they didn’t decorate their boats. He explained the WLA is working on bridging community participation with lake enhancement. “We have awesome potential to build community,” he said. One of the ways the WLA is building community is it has partnered with the Town of Milford to run the concession stand at Waubee Park. Proceeds from the concession stand will be used for future lake enhancements.

The WLA recently received a Lake and River Enhancement Grant for $4,000 for aquatic vegetation management. This is the first LARE grant WLA has received in several years. The WLA is also working with the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams. “We love those people, they’re amazing,” Thompson said.