Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Pride Inc.
Whitewater’s fourth annual Pride Rally promises to be the biggest and best yet. This free, family-friendly celebration takes place on Saturday, October 5 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Cravath Lakefront Park in downtown Whitewater.
The Pride Rally will include activities for children, adults, and even the family pets, all in support of our LGBTQ+ friends and neighbors, with a focus on high school and college students. The events include music, performances, over 30 vendors, and several food trucks. Speakers include City Manager, John Weidl; UW-Whitewater Chancellor, Dr. Corey A. King; Whitewater High School’s Associate Principal, Kate McNulty; and Fair Wisconsin’s Policy and Advocacy Director, Sean O’Brien, who will discuss the state of the LGBTQ+ movement locally and nationally.
“Since 2021, Whitewater Pride has been creating a jubilant safe space for our community to truly celebrate their unique selves,” said Camden Harlan, President of Whitewater Pride Inc. “We are incredibly fortunate to have the support of our city, local businesses, schools, and community members. With their advocacy and agency, we have been able to fund field trips and scholarships for LGBTQ+ youth in our community, as well as provide inclusive events throughout the year where the LGBTQ+ community and allies come together and know just how loved and appreciated they are.”
Whitewater Pride T-shirts will be on sale at the event for $15. These T-shirts bear the Whitewater Pride logo, designed by UW-Whitewater student, Maddy Albanese. Colored fabric markers will be available to individualize the shirts on site.
A children’s corner will include activities and story time with a selection of LGBTQ+ children’s books.
Your pets are also invited to attend and participate in the third annual Pride Pet Costume Contest. Registration will take place from 11:00-11:30 a.m. on the day of the event. For the safety of your pets and others, please make sure all pets are leashed and comfortable with crowds.
Whitewater Pride is proud to announce official sponsors of the Pride Rally who have contributed financially to help support our local LGBTQ+ community. This year’s sponsors are: The Coburn Family, Generac, Whitewater Unites Lives, TDS Telecom, Stellar Vintage, Botanica Beauty Parlour, Fort HealthCare, and Fort Community Credit Union, The Dem Party of Wisconsin, and T-Mobile of Lake Geneva.
“These community partners are not only providing financial support to the work of Whitewater Pride, but they are also standing proud with our LGBTQ+ community members and allies. This statement of support reinforces the values of our communities that all are welcomed, valued, and embraced,” Kim Simes said.
Others wishing to support Whitewater Pride can visit whitewaterpride.org to become a Sponsor, Vendor, or Donor.
Event supporters include Whitewater High School GSA, PB Poorman Pride Center, Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, City of Whitewater, Whitewater Unites Lives, The Book Teller, The Sweet Spot, UW-W CARE, and Whitewater League of Women Voters. For more information visit www.whitewaterpride.org, Instagram @whitewaterpride, or Facebook at Whitewater Pride
