Kali Wolf’s Wizard of Oz entry won the Commodore’s Trophy. Photos by Deb Patterson.

By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — Kali Wolf, Milford, Miss Kosciusko Fair Queen, began thinking what she could come up with for an entry in the 2022 Wawasee Flotilla. She began thinking outside the box. “I had all this stuff from The Wizard of Oz,” she said and decided, “let’s do it.”

ET makes a visit.

That idea worked out for the recently crowned queen. Wolf’s entry focusing on the theme of Wizard of Oz, won her the coveted 2022 Flotilla Commodore Award. The award is chosen each year by the event’s commodore. Her entry competed against space aliens, rockets, Star Wars, Jeannie and many others to win the grand prize.

“It’s been a blessing,” Wolf said adding it has been crazy for her and winning this award was amazing for her. Wolf’s title encourages her to represent the county and community. “I’m truly out representing the fair and community by winning this,” she said.

This year’s flotilla, with the theme of “Out of this World,” had 10 float entries, eight on-shore or pier entries and nine wooden/classic boat entries.

Awards will be presented to all winners between 11 a.m. and noon, Sunday, July 3, at the Channel Market. Among the prizes will be gas cards, certificates to local restaurants and more.

Winners this year include:

Commodore Award — Kali Wolf, Miss Kosciusko County Fair

Wawasee Property Owners Association Award — The Silox Family entry of “The Rocket Man.”

DNR Award — The Pate Family entry of “Moon Bound.”

It’s All Good Award — Patrick Bloom’s entry of Star Wars

Jeannie prepares to grant a wish.

Lake Wawasee History — Jim Kroemer’s entry “Lake Wawasee = Out of this World.”

Youth winners — The Butler Family entry of “Lake Wawasee Alien Invasion,” first place and The Violi Family, with a Star Wars entry.

Flotilla Seal Award — The Swartz Family entry of “I dream of Jeannie.”

Most Enthusiastic Award — The McCully Family entry of “The Rocket Man,” compete with singers.

Winners of the wooden/antique/classic boats were:

Wooden — John Feighner’s 1955 21-foot ChrisCraft, first; Jim Klotz’s 1957 Century Coronado, second

Antique — Perry Glaney’s 1949 ChrisCraft first; Dan Rice’s 1954 18-foot ChrisCraft Riviera

Classic — Bill McCully’s 1993 Coronado, first; Gary Smith, second.