Lake Tippecanoe Property Owners Flotilla Honors First Responders

“Tippy Fire Fire Women,” owned by Suzanne Lyon won first place in the 2023 Lake Tippecanoe Property Owners Flotilla on July 1.

Text and Photos
By David Hazledine
InkFreeNews

LEESBURG — As the sun broke from behind the clouds, the denizens of Lake Tippecanoe gathered in their boats and on their piers to enjoy the 2023 Lake Tippecanoe Flotilla by Lake Tippecanoe Property Owners on Saturday, July 1.

This year’s flotilla theme was “Honoring First Responders,” and the entries did just that, transforming jet skis and pontoons into floating tributes, which were enjoyed by bystanders all around the lake. The entries depicted firetrucks, police cars and more. One float, which joined the flotilla but chose not to participate in the competition, was inspired by the film “Ghostbusters,” including the Ectomobile and Stay Puft Marshmallow man.

This free event was open to both LTPO members and non-members.

Also joining in were members of the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department on jet skis and speed boats, who served as lake patrol but also received a warm reception.

At 1 p.m., participating vessels set out from Patona Bay Marina and Resort, which also provided the judges’ pontoon — piloted by flotilla organizer Dan Drook. Drook was joined by fellow LTPO judges Kathy Woodsmall and BK Turner.

The winning entry, earning $300 in prize money, was “Tippy Fire Fire Women,” helmed by Suzanne Lyon. Second place went to Charles Keaton Joyner’s “Fire truck,” which garnered $200. And third place was won by Lisa Finch and her “Finch Family Heroes,” whose prize was $100.

However, all the participants were rewarded for their efforts. “Everybody wins,” said Drook.

“Usually I’m sitting on the pier,” said Woodsmall of observing previous flotillas. “I didn’t realize there was so much traffic.”

“The reception from the piers was nice,” added Turner.

: Charles Keaton Joyner’s “Fire Truck” won second place in the Lake Tippecanoe Flotilla on July 1.

: Lisa Finch’s “Finch Family Heroes” won third place in the Lake Tippecanoe Flotilla on July 1.

: A “Ghostbusters”-themed float created by the Kessler family also took part in the LTPO Flotilla, but chose not to participate in the competition.

: Lake Tippecanoe was filled with children and their families during the LTPO Flotilla on July 1.

: Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department boats served as lake patrol for the Lake Tippecanoe Flotilla, but with the “Honoring First Responders” theme, they were also part of the fun.

: Lake Tippecanoe Flotilla participants were not the only folks on the lake in costume on July 1.

: This gentleman’s dogs were impressed with his mini-frisbee catching skills at the Lake Tippecanoe Property Owners Flotilla on July 1.

: Lake Tippecanoe Property Owners Flotilla Chairman Dan Drook organizes the flotilla before setting off around the lake while Judge BK Turner looks on.