Thank you, Lake Wawasee-
The barge campaign goal has been met!
A Tradition Preserved
For decades the Wawasee Property Owners Association (WPOA) has staged an Independence Day fireworks show that rivals many of the best. Families and friends gather on shore or cruise by boat to the center of the lake to watch the sky erupt in color, a summer tradition that makes Lake Wawasee the lake we love.
Because of extraordinary community support, WPOA has fully funded the new barge fleet. Thank you to every donor and volunteer who made this possible! A full list of donors is at the bottom of this page.
Updated 9/7/25
Fundraising Goal Exceeded!
This campaign has been an all‑lake effort, with households, HOAs, and local businesses stepping up to meet the goal.
“The fireworks bring our entire community together,” said Kay Young, WPOA Board President. “On behalf of the Board, thank you to everyone who gave, and a special thanks to the Founders behind the matching challenge. Your leadership ensures a safer platform and an unforgettable Wawasee 250 celebration.”
Founders spotlight:
As the first Fireworks Founder to step up, Jim and Pat Marcuccilli shared a memory that captures why this matters to so many:
“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.”
Full list of founders and quotes appear in the section below!
Fast Facts
Barge campaign goal met and exceeded
Over 450 families, HOAs, and local business participated in the Barge Replacement Capital Campaign
Average community donation was $460
The WPOA will vote on a 12 barge fleet to improve viewing around the lake
Additional gifts now enhance the 2026 Wawasee 250 show
America 250 is the national commemoration of the country’s 250th anniversary in 2026
July 4th, 2026 Celebration
Wawasee 250 is Saturday, July 4, 2026
Celebrating America’s 250th AnniversaryImagine the breathtaking sight of huge shells filling Lake Wawasee’s sky, reflecting brilliantly on the water- creating memories that last a lifetime.
We’ll launch the show from a larger, safer launch platform in a new configuration designed to improve the view for all sides of the lake.
Why did the WPOA run the campaign to replace the fireworks barges?
Just this past show (2025), during transit to the center of the lake, we experienced several failures, including one that was critical:
Truss failure: Two trusses, the steel supports on one barge, broke apart while carrying several 10‑inch shells. (see photo)
Emergency repairs: Crew members entered the water in the middle of a busy lake to make temporary repairs so the show could proceed.
Program delays: Barge issues caused the program to stall at key moments, including the opening notes of the Star Spangled Banner.
Beyond just this past incident, our fleet of ten barges (all but one are more than 25 years old) faces persistent problems:
Photo of a barge failure on July 5, 2025
Safety hazards: slick, uneven decks and failing welds have caused injuries.
Fire risk: wooden decking that frequently catches fire, including notable incidents in 2018 and 2021.
Structural and logistical failures: recurring breakdowns threaten show timing and crew safety.
Beginning with the 2026 show, the WPOA’s professional pyrotechnic partner will not include the large eight‑ and ten‑inch shells that fill the sky unless new barges are in place. The result would be a dramatically reduced annual fireworks display, in height and size.
The Solution
We plan to purchase a new modular barge, fire‑retardant platform system that will:
Sit higher in the water, protecting shells during transit.
By design, configure quickly, reducing show risk, setup time and crew risk.
Last for decades, saving tens of thousands of dollars in maintenance over its lifetime.
WPOA Fireworks Barge Replacement Committee
