Leon Newman, veteran, and family win the first Waubee Lake Flotilla.

Text and Photos
By Marissa Sweatland
InkFreeNews

MILFORD — “What an awesome turnout,” Wendi Darting, Waubee Lake Association and Flotilla organizer, said about the Waubee Lake Flotilla held Saturday, July 2. Also on the committee are Teri Miller and Dennise Leismer. This is the first Flotilla held on Waubee Lake. After the success of this Flotilla, it is sure to become an annual event.

The Waubee Lake Association honored local veterans with a bouquet of yellow balloons. For those who participated, the bouquets can be seen on the boat, and for those who did not, their bouquets were delivered to their homes.

The veterans honored included: Jerry Method, Nelson Beer, Roger Buss, Steve Stokes, Jana Stollery, Bill Troup, Dan Schwab, Jim Shaver, Randy Noble, Terry Fancil, Jim Auer, Dave Wilson, Bob Conrad, Michael Wood, Leon Newman, Larry Bray, and Freddie Cone.

The rain stopped just in time for launch, and held off for the duration of the Flotilla. There were 27 participants, and every float looked incredible and honored veterans.

Some boats decorated with pictures of their honored veterans, one adorned with their military uniform, and others were decorated with the American flag and red, white, and blue balloons.

The judges had a hard decision to make, but the judges agreed on the winner: Leon Newman. “It’s just so eye catching!” said Karena Wilkinson. The judges were Karena Wilkinson, Mary Moretto, and Gary Grossman.

The winner of the Flotilla, Leon Newman, won a Harvest Coffee gift card.