The Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the eagerly anticipated return of the 4th Annual Whitewater Storytelling Festival, taking place on May 3rd and 4th at the Cultural Arts Center (CAC) located at 402 W Main St, Whitewater.
The festival promises a charismatic lineup of storytelling, music, art, and family fun, showcasing talent from Chicago, Milwaukee, Kenosha, Whitewater, and beyond.
The festivities kick off on Friday, May 3rd at the CAC, with an Open Mic session from 6:00 PM to 7:45 PM emceed by Karen McCulloch of The Book Teller. This will be followed by live music performances by Nazario Chickpeazio and County Craic Irish Fiddling from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Saturday, May 4th, will feature a diverse array of events in Flat Iron Park outside the CAC beginning at 9:00 AM with children’s storytelling, followed by all-ages storytelling throughout the afternoon, emceed by Sarah Beth Nelson. From 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, attendees can enjoy a watercolor demonstration and the opening reception for Whitewater Arts Alliance’s Wisconsin Regional Artists Program exhibit. The day concludes with a performance by Marco Wence at 4:00 PM. Storytellers offer “multi-cultural, interactive programs,” “magical wordplay,” “social/emotional skill building,” and a “history of large cities of the United States and other historical events in our history.” One storyteller comes with 83 Moth Slam wins!
The festival will also feature a vibrant vendor market from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM with 14 different vendors sharing products with stories to tell. Come shop jewelry, skincare, authors, baked goods, dresses, and interact with Ferradermis’ robot!
WHAT A VENDOR MARKET we’ll have during the 4th Annual Whitewater Storytelling Festival 2024 May 4th from 10-2p. We’ll see you all at 402 W Main St!
Buddha Belly Pizza (stone-fired sourdough pizza) – 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Aunt Mable’s (burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, hand pies) 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Pat Hall (author & creator of Ukrainian hand-painted eggs)
Eileen Troemel Author
SpoookyNook (chainmaille jewelry)
Authors Melody Calder, and Sandra & Wren Tentler
ReVamp Nutrition (shake samples and other goodies)
Jackie’s Small Batch Bakery (yummy baked goods)
RedTail Massage & Wellness LLC (providing chair massages!)
Blue Sage Massage (providing chair massages!)
Ferradermis (check out their robot!)
Zuri’s Furry Friends (Build-A-Bear!)
Owl Be There (hand-crafted clay jewelry with a portion of the proceeds going toward mental health organizations)
Ice Age Trail (Monty the Mammoth & trail info!)
Mo-bility (body butters)
Heather’s Custom Tailoring & Dress Boutique
For families, there will be an abundance of activities including yard games, chalk fun, a take and make craft by Irvin L Young Memorial Library, a story walk around the park, a Maypole, an instrument petting zoo, and a chance to meet Monty the Mammoth from the Ice Age Trail Alliance – Walworth and Jefferson County Chapter.
Attendees of all ages will have the opportunity to enjoy 15-minute chair massages and sift through crates of free books generously donated by The Community Space.
In case of inclement weather, all Saturday activities will move inside the CAC.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsors for their support: First Citizens State Bank, Nelson’s Bus Service, The Sweet Spot Cafe, Whitewater Cinemas, Culvers, The Vinery Stained Glass Studio, Fort Community Credit Union, The Book Teller, and the Whitewater Arts Alliance.
Join us for a weekend celebrating the magic of storytelling. Don’t miss out on this celebration of culture, creativity, and community!
For more information visit www.whitewaterchamber.com/whitewater-storytelling-festival/ or contact dwwchamber@gmail.com with questions.
About the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce:
The Whitewater Chamber of Commerce serves the area’s local businesses through business education, referrals, advocacy, and networking opportunities. The Chamber also strives to bring business owners and the community together through events and promotions. Our membership of businesses and individuals is dedicated to showcasing Whitewater as the perfect place to live, learn, work, play, and dream.
