For decades, the Wawasee Property Owners Association (WPOA) has staged an Independence Day fireworks show that rivals many of the best. Because of extraordinary community support, we’ve now secured a brand‑new 12‑barge fleet and are building a one‑time, expanded show for America’s 250th birthday.

A Tradition Preserved

Thanks to the leadership of our Fireworks Founders and the generosity of an engaged lake community, the one‑time WPOA Fireworks Barge Capital Campaign has raised $482,326, exceeding the original $350,000 goal.

That support has allowed WPOA to fully fund a new 12‑barge fleet and dedicate remaining funds to a one‑time enhancement of the 2026 Wawasee 250 fireworks program. Without this project, the large 8‑ and 10‑inch shells that define the Wawasee show would have disappeared after 2025. With the new fleet, those shells can continue, and expand to 12‑inch shells, for Wawasee 250 and beyond.

This has truly been a lake‑wide effort, and the progress to date reflects a community determined to keep the Wawasee fireworks tradition strong. See below for a complete list of donors.

Barge Replacement Fast Facts - Before & After Photos

• $482,326 raised for the WPOA Fireworks Barge Capital Campaign - see below for a complete list of donors

• 12‑barge fleet fully funded; barge cost $310,700 (under the original $350,000 budget)

• Swiss Perfection of Syracuse, Indiana selected as barge fabricator after a multi‑month review of 20+ potential partners

• Two prototype barges built and successfully tested on Lake Wawasee in November

• Largest shell ever over Wawasee: 12‑inch test shell launched on Veterans Day 2025

• Full 12‑barge fleet ordered; fabrication underway through 2025/26

• Additional donations now enhance the July 4, 2026 Wawasee 250 show - help support this once-in-a-generation celebration - donate today.

Meet the New Wawasee Fireworks Fleet

The new barges are an impressive local story in their own right.

Following a multi‑month selection process that considered more than twenty potential local, regional, and national partners, the WPOA Fireworks Barge Committee has formally selected Swiss Perfection of Syracuse, Indiana to build the new fleet.

The committee began with a broad field of prospective fabricators, narrowed it to twelve detailed reviews, requested six formal bids, scored each proposal, completed reference calls, and then recommended Swiss Perfection to the WPOA Board. The Board unanimously approved the committee recommendation based on quality, safety, value, and the company’s ability to deliver a long‑lasting barge system specifically designed for fireworks operations on Lake Wawasee.

Each barge frame is built from extruded aluminum sections with no welds, manufactured by Aluminum Insights, right here in Syracuse, Indiana. The weld‑free design provides strength, durability, and consistent performance over time.

Underneath each barge, Nautilus™ Dura Floats made from high‑impact polyethylene and filled with closed‑cell urethane foam provide exceptional buoyancy and impact resistance. On top, the working surface is McNichols® Fiberglass Grating, the same type of fire‑retardant decking used on ocean oil rigs, generously donated by the McNichols Family, Pier 690. This in‑kind contribution helped keep the total project cost comfortably below budget while providing a durable, fire‑resistant platform for the pyrotechnic crew.

In total, the 12‑barge fleet will cost $310,700, well under the original $350,000 budget approved by the WPOA Board.

Prototypes, Partners & the 12-inch Test

In early November 2025, two prototype barges were delivered to the lake for real‑world testing. Diamond Pier Pros moved the new prototypes across Lake Wawasee in sub‑freezing conditions, Main Channel Marina launched them for the first time, and Wawasee Boat Company provided year-round storage. Their support made it possible to safely stage the first full‑scale test of the new system.

On Veterans Day, November 11, the WPOA fireworks team and its professional pyrotechnic partner, Zambelli Fireworks, conducted a controlled test of a single 12‑inch shell from one of the prototype barges near the DNR launch area. All permits were in place, safety boats were on the water, and conditions were closely monitored throughout the test.

Historically, the Wawasee show has supported fireworks shells up to 10 inches. The successful 12‑inch test represents the largest shell ever launched over Lake Wawasee and an important proof of concept for the new fleet. The prototype barge performed as designed, and the 12‑inch shell rose higher, broke wider, and delivered a deeper, more resonant report than anything previously used in the program—a true preview of what Wawasee 250 will bring to the entire lake in 2026.

Following this test, WPOA gave Swiss Perfection the go‑ahead to fabricate the remaining ten barges, bringing the new fleet to a total of twelve. Fabrication will continue through 2025 and into 2026 in preparation for Wawasee 250.

View video from our NEW barge prototype 12-inch test launch!

July 4, 2026 – Wawasee 250

On Saturday, July 4, 2026, Lake Wawasee will celebrate America’s 250th birthday under the Wawasee 250 banner, as part of the national America 250 commemoration.

The 2026 display is planned as a one‑time doubling of the overall show, launching from seven positions instead of three and using all twelve new barges, each with new rigging and equipment. The expanded fleet will improve safety, increase capacity, and enhance viewing coverage around the entire lake, while supporting the large 8‑, 10‑, and 12‑inch shells that define the Wawasee show.

Show design is already underway in partnership with Zambelli Fireworks, including a special soundtrack for 2026. The goal is to match what people see in the sky with what they feel and hear from start to finish - making Wawasee 250 the most ambitious fireworks celebration in lake history!

Mark your calendar now for
July 4, 2026 at 10:15 PM
for the once-in-a-generation celebration!

WPOA Fireworks Barge Replacement Committee

Barge
Replacement Donors

Community Donors

Raised as of 12/4/25:
$221,069

Below are the Generous neighbors of Lake Wawasee that Have contributed to the WPOA Capital campaign to replace the Failing fireworks barges:

$5,000 - $9,999

• Tom & Joan Marcuccilli

• Jon & Kristine Leetz

• Joe and Maria Hinrichs

• John & Kathy Ackerman

• Anonymous Donor

• Susie Salin McClain & Garth McClain

• The Ruddell Family - Priscilla, Jim, Bill & Andy Ruddell

• Runaway Bay HOA

• David Arbogast

• Beesley Family

• The Wm Craig & Teneen L Dobbs Charitable Foundation

• Charles N. Hetrick

$1,000 - $4,999

• Steve & Brenda Walker

• Stephen Snyder

• E.H. McNichols (Eugene)

• Carolyn M. Schaefer

• Donn Baird

• Julie Downham

• Marylou Hipskind

• Amy & Marshall Reavis

• Griffith's Wawasee Marina

• Dan Mikolajczak & Lisa Griffith

• Sally Hubbard

• Monica & Larry Weigand

• James B. Woodruff

• Ronald Mason

• Stuart Kleopfer

• Dan Michael

• Janet Kendall

• Cynthia Herald

• Phil & Sarah Smith

• Jay Jorgensen

• Brian C Pahud

• Kristen Kenney

• Kay Young

• Dianne Dykstra

• Dennis Gernhardt

• Luretta Deschner

• Douglas Rose

• Sally Reel

• Sean 0'Connor

• Anton George

• Elaine Johnston

• Craig Alderson

• Joe Merryman

• Lauren Edmundson

• Katherine Henke

• Richard Pfleger

• Tom Schnellenberger

• Stephen Fidler

• Shelly Schenkel

• Amy Thwaits

• John Robertson

• Nancy Zimmerman

• J Scott Laughner

• Larry & Pam Palmer

• Allen Glassburn

• James & Susan Donahoe

• Dave Irmscher

• Robert & Susan Rush

• Michael Gadus

• Steve & Leslie Inskeep

• Tom Inskeep

• Mark Phillips

• Melinda Mooradian

• Salin Family

• Jim Tranter

• Ray O Deahl

• Pier 343 Home Owners Associaton Inc.

• F.R. & Michele French

• Robert Loose Family

• Irwin F Deister Jr. 

• Brad & Cindy Quinn

• Robert & Linda Marshall

• Bob Marshall

$500 - $999

• Rick Hovde

• Dave Lindsey

• Rick & Julie Davis

• Karen Turner

• Dana Beesley

• Carole Kelly Havens

• John Bearss

• Nancy Hoard

• Jeffrey T Ramsey

• Tonda Longenecker

• Kristin Eby

• Richard LaVanture

• Jeremy Davidson

• Julie Mark

• Michael Kitch

• Douglas Rassi

• Tanya Leetz

• Laura & Matt Albrecht

• James Kroemer

• Renee Schwartz

• Edgar Purvis Jr.

• John & Carol Kellogg

• Marianne Horn

• Carolyn L & George R McClure

• Casimir & Stephanie Szynal

• Bernard Asdell

• William & Terry Pipp & Family

• Norman Leader

• John & Diane Miller

• Stephen & Maria Phillipp

• William & Barbara Couch

• Leon Theis

• Marianne Salaymeh

• Kyle Trick

• James & Celia Jackson

• Walter & Ann Palmer

• Janet Hagedorn

• Scott Hirschman

• John & Debbie Brehm

• David Dickey

• Sam Schwartz

• John & Barbara Stringer

• Tim Graber

• Russ & Pat Mikel

• Stuart & Karen Buck

• Joe & Kathy Dugdale

• Brian & Denise Ploss

• Mr. & Mrs. George E Freese

• John & Kris Schlagenhauf

• William G Batt 

• Walt & Barb Maxson

• Gregg Hutchinson

• James McCullough

• Robert & Nicole Dellen

• Todd Lassus

• Diane Hopen

• Frank & Becky Levinson

• Chet & Tonda Longenecker

• Martha Moore

• Jeff & Clare Quinn

• Brenda Moser

• Jay Jackson

$250 - $499

• Morrie & Jan Mauer

• Vaughan & Karen McCullough Hankins

• Roger West

• Briget Chamness

• Jane Wildman

• Murray Bartholome

• John Schlagenhauf

• Alan Tehan 

• Doug & Helen Yoder

• Ken & Gloria Schuman

• Nancy Harter 

• Tony & Susan Bonanno

• Bill & Linda Cripe

• Ray Gerling

• Craig & Lee Doyle

• Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters

• Henry Martin

• Jennifer Martin

• Michael Hope

• Jack Hollingsworth

• Sherry Swank

• Joel Wuebker

• Kevin Elpers

• Chris Gortney

• Patrick McGinn

• Chandra Seybert

• Daniel Morris

• David A. Lindsey

• Kim Colby

• John Feighner

• Kathy Callen

• Michael Bahler

• Jim Rapp

• Kimberly Grieshop

• Jacob Odom

• Casey Stump

• Patricia Wardlow

• LIndsay Cutter

• James Faley

• Marilyn Davis

• David Queisser

• RM Leppert

• William Leppert

• Tim Button

• Natalie Bojrab

• David Taylor

• Jan & Arnie Macy

• Rob Troxel

• Timothy Swartz

• Christopher Campbell

• Oakwood Resort

• Anthony Snider

• Jeffrey L Wilson

• Richard L Pletcher

• Sheila McNelis

• Malinda Gentry

• Hope Huber

• Michael Bosway

• Barry & Elizabet Hudson

• Michael Violi

• Kent & Debra Thomas

• Robert & Kelly Kohlmeyer 

• Lori Chokenea

• Bob Modiset

• Sally Mahnken

• Greg & Debby Doyle

• Glen Phillips & Mary Pontius

• David A Eckrich

• Steve & Jill Howard

• Brian Rhoades

• Jack & Sonya Wells

• Kristi Harkenrider

• Mike & Carla McCracken

$100 - $249

• Carole Lichtenauer

• Kurt Heinz

• Martha Wilson

• David Slyby

• Mark Eaton

• Cortney Day

• Caryn Englander

• Kevin Kirkpatrick

• Ryan Wardlow

• Dan Donohue

• John Rufatto

• Kathleen Jones

• Judy Schmahl

• Scott Rogers

• Ron Baumgartner

• Kip & Pam Schumm

• Tom & Nancy Madru

• Grant Gift- No name

• Ann & Art Garceau + Aimee (Garceau) & Shawn Bolinger

• Robert & Margo Shugart

• Herman & Connie Houin

• David Clark

• Rich Carr

• Scott & Marli Williams

• Joseph F. Howell & Julie G. Howell

• Charles R Davis

• Yager

• William & Jean Freudenthal

• Charles & Karen Meyer

• Steve & Amy Just

• Timothy S. Needler

• Tim & Beth Bloom

• John & Phyllis Cardis

• Tamara Haubry

• Mike & Melissa Mates

• Susan Grieshop

• Larry & Cathy Teghtmeyer

• Ralph Smith

• Robert & Kay Magnetti

• Richard & Ellen Stahly

• Eckhoff / Kavanaugh

• J E Cleveland

• Brook Sefton & John Sefton

• Shirley Kline

• Patrick Family

• Thomas Tuttle II

• Steve Farley

• Kristal Klehfoth

• Lu Pennal

• Dianne Kaiser

• Andrea Kramer

• Douglas Fields

• Martha Simpson

• Betsy McSoley

• Debbie Collins

• Lori Eltzroth

• Michael Nichols

• Bruce Kurtz

• Ann Porter

• Jerry Oswald

• Shelley Lukemeyer

• Anthony Yager

• Patricia Rice

• Rosita Kilty

• Kim Arbogast

• Connie Blackwell

• Steve Hurst

• Sue Hirschman

• Brad Webb

• Craig Taylor

• Robert Gorgol Sr

• Clare Baumgardt

• Constance Anthony

• Gretchen Moon

• Laura Donahue

• Mary Ann Prah

• Geoffry Williams

• Kathy Graham

• Shelia Flatt

• Emily Bowsher

• Robert Powell

• Janie Butler

• Panos Bourounis

• James Thieman

• Gregory Schenkel

• Denise Phillips

• Joseph Kirsits

• Donna Boehm

• Charles Bartholome

• Jeff Steele

• MaryBeth Mitchel

• Debra Richardson

• Steve Helton

• Doreen Byrd

• Vicki Bernheisel

• Bob & Tammy Herdrich

• Mark Benson

• Angela M Marshall

• Jeff Leetz

• Carol White

• R James Alerding

• John Fiatt

• Richard Thrapp

• Lora Smith

• Dina Levenda

• Barbara A McAfee

• Molly Fisher

• Joe & Karen Glaser

• Joseph Johnson

• Janeen Malfait

• Kenneth File

• James Keller

• David Brandes

• Diane Koomler

• John L Stumpf

• Steve McLear

• Leslie Cook

• Marna Brisley

• Phyllis Davis

• Carrie Barnes

• Barbara Clark

• Alex Chael

• Jeffrey Soldner

• Cynthia Rasp

• Catherine Hurst

• Robert Steury

• Nikki Gillan

• Ben Wilkinson

• Michelle Copeland

• Gale Jacobs

• Karla Hayden

• Sue Gitlin

• Cody Muhlenkamp

• Christopher Nauss

• Rebecca Ristow

• Elysabet Olmstead

• John & Krista Schloss

• Stephen Keller

• James Prescott

• Michele Miller

• Amy Pate

• William (Bill) McCully

• Jon Paul Keller

• Sharyn Kaiser

• Heather Bosley

• Mari Anna Shepherd

• Nancy Witt

• Paige Korenstra

• Victoria Marks

• Daniel Peterson

• Roland & Connie Slyby

• Wes & Kathy Young

• George & Cathy Browne

• Dana Pahud

• William Hasbrook

• David Hoover

• Anne Jones

• Rebecca Mount

• John Sweeney

• Terry Griffith

• Brad & Peg Schuldt

• Lynn & Jo Sickafoose

• Steve Conrad

• Greg & Susanne Hoffman

• Ernest & Anne Keller

• Charlie & Judy Cox

• Bill & Cheryl Killam

• Fritz Helmuth

• Charlie & Debbie Collins

• Anthony & Jan Hensel

• Joe Forgey

• Stephen Wethor

• Dan & Lori Reynolds

• Donald A Holsinger

• George W & Sonjia S Gilbert

• Todd & Kelly Kriegel

• Irma Morris

• Steve & Annie Wills

• Steven Springer

• Matthew & Casey Dellen

• Bruce & Barbara Goslee

• Doug & Beth Morris

• John & Leslie Rapp

• Ric & Marcella Buckles

• Mark & Joan Knecht

• Russell & Marla Carlson

• Randy & Ann Riggs

• Michael Zumbrun

• Brad & Cathi Merryman

• Bill & Mary Boussum

• Mary & Tom Dormin

• Tom & Priscilla Jackson

• Jack Dahm

• Mike & Christina Baker

• Joe & Karen Stiles

• Tom & Marcia Morgan

• Chip & Julie Traub

• Jack & Diane Zimmerman

• Ken Nord

• Greg & Lei Gartland

• Sandra Green

• Jim & Krista Campbell

• William Davis

• Dave Matz

• Doug & Karen Grant

• Gerald D. Mann

• Mark & Rita Matson

• Elly & Gunar Grubaums

• Billie Ganz

• Ms. Lou Ann Tabor

• Todd Eby

• Randy & Jo Baskerville

• Don & Kay McCulloch

• Tom & Nancy Cottrell

• Jan Hackleman

• Mark Botts

• Tom & Barbara Stieglitz

• Russell & Mary Anderson

• Joe A. Simpson

• Mike & Jane Messmer

• Gary Doll

• Jaqueline Scott

• Judy & Bruce Roberts

• John & Fran Pasalich

• Janet Keim

• Edward & Patricia Kott

• Drew & Cheryl Briscoe

$1 - $99

• The Jarretts

• Megan & Brian Gau

• Bernard Niezer

• Tom Houlihan

• Bill McCabe

• Robert Schreck

• Diane Zimmerman

• Cheryl Smith

• Julie K Gilpin

• Shannon McNett Silcox

• Lori A Cook

• Steven Crell

• Michael Smith

• Dan Federspiel

• Laura Alerding

• Debra Federspiel

• David Petermann

• Kristin Bailey

• Tony Giese

• Cynthia Wuebker

• Catherine Handley

• Nena Klotz

• Carmel House 

• Becky Marler

• Jane Reinke

• Ann Godsey

• Susan & Steve Brizius

• Timothy S McCrea

• Debbie Jovanovich

• Susan Littlefield

• Mary Kiefer

• Christopher Long

• Jack Jennings

• Leighton Wells

• Linda Harkleroad

• Matthew S Hofferth

• Phyllis Payer

• Carolyn McClure

• Camby Ferdon

• Laura Studebaker

• Timothy O'Connor

• Cheryl Furniss

• Kenneth Eber

• Shelley Tisza

• Tammie Sopczak

• Jerry Ludlow

• Scott Brown

• Michael Moore

• Jason Wilson

• Rose Mary Reasner

• Mary Katsaropoulos

• Linda Haffner

• Shanna & Robert Haecker

• Therese (Terry) Wallace

• Dave & Rose Forsthoefel

• Gayle Shaum

• Gretchen & Peter Rogers

• Marvin Galbreath

• Helen Queisser & Family

• Janet Bitner

• Jerry & Connie Wilson

• Joan Szynal

• Marc & Kris Stahl

• Donn Huber

• Adela, Alyson, Elise, Jacquie, Jean Luc, Steve & Wyatt

• Jan & Jay Brill

• Barbara A Souder

• Janet Burt & Amy Hart

• David Ward

• Jeffrey Nelson

• Sally Stolz

• Scott Rainey

• Jennifer Ennis

• Rebecca Mattern

• Susan Machledt

• McTeague

• John & June Foerg

• Paul & Linda Austin

• Ann Cavender

• Rose Peterson

• Patsy & Larry Line

• Erin Modisett

• Thomas J Everett

• Kelvin Skeats

• Maureen Foy (Joseph Foy)

• B Sue Haddon

• Rosemarie Swiatek

Fireworks Founders Matching Fund

Match fund commitment as of 12/4/25: $261,000

Below are the Fireworks founders COMMITTED to match donations from the community dollar-for-dollar - effectively DOUBLING each gift toward replacing the WPOA’s failing barges.

$25,000+ Donors - Founders Fleet Captain

• Jim and Pat Marcuccilli, Piers 250+251
  “Every Fourth of July, our family and friends gather on the lake for hot dogs and laughter and, when Kate Smith takes the mic, the pure magic of her voice. It’s one of our dearest traditions, and we’re proud to support replacing the barges that make the fireworks possible.”
  

• Randy and Deborah Tobias, Pier 811
  “Lake Wawasee’s fireworks embody the spirit of our community and country. We are grateful for the chance to support new barges that will safeguard this beloved tradition now and for generations to come.”
  

• Doug and Carolyn Anderson - Wawasee Boat Co., 469A, WBC is 754
  “Lake Wawasee’s Fourth of July is more than fireworks; it is a reunion of our community, and a reminder of why Wawasee is home. That is why we are proud to support keeping this tradition alive.”
  

• Main Channel Marina, Pier 689-A024
  

• Joan Cleveland, in memory of John W Cleveland, Pier 446
  “Lake Wawasee has been at the heart of our family’s summers since the 1970s. Now, sharing that same magic with my grandchildren each Fourth of July means the world to me. I’m proud to support the new barges so they can celebrate here for decades to come.”

• Gene and Patsy McNichols & Family, Pier 690

  “Lake Wawasee has given our family so many memories. Donating McNICHOLS Fiberglass Grating is our way of giving back so the fireworks remain safe, strong, and spectacular for everyone in 2026 and beyond.”
  

• Joel & Joyce Helmuth, Pier 534
  

$10,000 - $24,999 Donors - Grand Finale Partner

• Roger and Char Pecina, Piers 621+622
  “There’s nothing like fireworks over Wawasee: moments that bring neighbors together in joy and pride. We’re honored to help replace the barges so those memories continue for years to come.”
  

• Jane DeHaven - DeHaven Chevrolet, Pier 034
  “My fondest memories are of Fourth of July on Lake Wawasee with family and friends, going back to when I was a child. It’s my favorite holiday—it celebrates country, family, friends, and The Lake.”
  

• Tom and Patty Kelley, Piers 800+801
  

• Keith Busse, Pier 503
  

• Keith Busse Automotive & Classic Art Foundation, Pier 503
  

• Harry & Jane Finch / Ryan, Sarah & Megan McBee, Pier 304
  "Our family has supported the Wawasee Fireworks for years because it is a tradition that brings our genetic family and our lake family and friends together year after year. It is the highlight of a weekend that celebrates our faith, family, and COUNTRY.  And we don't even have to buy gifts!!  Safety on the water is a key lesson for our children.  Contributing to safety on the barges is a testament to that value! BE SAFE!!"
  

• Kevin & Kellie Walbridge, Pier 744
  “Every Sunday we take our Gar Wood out for the Thunder Run and are reminded how special it is to share Wawasee traditions with family, friends, and neighbors. Supporting the fireworks is our way of giving back, helping ensure future generations can experience the same joy and pride on this lake that we’ve been lucky to enjoy.”
  

• Chris and Tammy Storie, Pier 641

• Doug and Chris McKibben - Glenbrook Automotive Group, Pier 325-010
  “For nearly 30 years Chris and I have enjoyed the summers at Wawasee with our 4 children 12 grandchildren and now 5 great grandchildren, one of the highlights every year is the huge fireworks display that we all look forward to. We are very hopeful that it will continue for generations to come."
  

• Brian T & Jamie Hull, Pier 474+475

Future Wawasee Fireworks Dates