Whitewater’s 6th Annual Pride Rally is a free, family-friendly celebration that takes place from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Cravath Lakefront Park in downtown Whitewater.

Whitewater City Manager, John Weidl, said, “Whitewater is at its best when everyone who lives here knows they belong here. That’s not a slogan; people and employers choose communities where their families will be welcomed, and that’s good for all of us. The City is proud to be a Gold Sponsor of the 6th Annual Whitewater Pride Rally, and as a Warhawk married to a Warhawk alum, I’m proud of what this college town shows the world. Thank you to the organizers and volunteers. See you at Cravath Lakefront Park on October 3rd.”

Whitewater Pride is dedicated to bringing the LGBTQ+ community and Allies together. Their mission is to foster diversity, inclusion, and pride in the Whitewater community. Their vision is to create an open, affirmative, and accepting environment for all people, with a focus on celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.

Malayna Oswald, AFSP Wisconsin Chapter Board Member, said, “The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Wisconsin Chapter has been excited to engage with the Whitewater community through our yearly Out of the Darkness walk for suicide prevention every spring at UW-Whitewater, and we are very excited to be invited back to Whitewater to participate in the 6th Annual Whitewater Pride Rally. We are deeply committed to fostering supportive spaces for the LGBTQ+ community, with one example being our new Pride Pathways: Suicide Prevention for LGBTQ+ Communities and Allies program being offered for free to communities. We look forward to coming together to promote mental health and suicide prevention, and we want to thank Whitewater Pride for the work they do every day and for inviting us to such a meaningful event.”

The event this year includes the community and statewide speakers, engaging performances by Cynthia Mooseknuckle, Jessabelle, Lavender Jones, Pony Boy, Miss Cowphusia, Ellah Maeaux, and Angel Voyer, music by DJ Femme Noir, the UWW Marching Band, and Jonah Hirst, storytelling by Tim Mumm, an open mic, 30+ inclusive vendors, and multiple food trucks, including Sampa’s Tacos and Rocky Rococo’s. Speakers include UWW Chancellor Corey King, WUSD Superintendent Sam Karns, Whitewater City Manager John Weidl, AFSP-WI Board Member Malayna Oswald, and Kim Valenta from Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. A children’s area includes face painting, activities, and story time with a selection of LGBTQ+ children’s books. Leashed pets are also invited to attend and participate in our Pride Pet Costume Contest, sponsored by Pet Supplies Plus of Whitewater.

Reverend Joseph O’Donnell said, “The best part of the Whitewater Pride Rally is seeing people, businesses, churches, and groups coming together and creating a community of welcome, a space where people are valued, and where the authentic spirit of each person (and pet) is loved and celebrated. I look forward to these opportunities every year to participate in and support an event that encourages us to come together as a community from so many different aspects and quarters of our city and the surrounding community.” Reverend O’Donnell serves First English Lutheran Church.

This year’s Pride Rally sponsors include: Whitewater Unites Lives, Coburn Company, City of Whitewater, Starbucks Foundation, First English Lutheran Church, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, First United Methodist Church, Fort HealthCare, First Weber Real Estate, Fort Community Credit Union, Tim Mumm, The Family of Paul and Helen Pelnar in Memoriam, LGBTQ+ Walworth County, and Pet Supplies Plus of Whitewater.

There will be a 50/50 raffle and basket raffle. If you would like to make a donation to the basket raffle, for more information, or to support Whitewater Pride as Sponsor or Donor, please visit www.whitewaterpride.org, Instagram @whitewaterpride, or Facebook at Whitewater Pride.

Editor’s Note: The above was submitted by Whitewater Pride.