Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Pride Inc.

Joy, laughter, music and pride filled the Cravath Lakefront Park at Whitewater’s 4th Annual Pride Rally on October 5.  

The day included music, performances, over 30 vendors and a pet parade. Speakers included Whitewater’s City Manager, John Weidl; UW-Whitewater’s Chancellor, Dr. Corey A. King; Whitewater High School’s Associate Principal, Kate McNulty; and Fair Wisconsin’s Policy and Advocacy Director, Sean O’Brien.

“Whitewater was a joyful, fun-filled place on Saturday,” said Camden Harlan, President of Whitewater Pride Inc. “All in our community were welcomed and felt safe and loved.”

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Warhawk Marching Band performed in full regalia.  Dr. Corey King, Chancellor, said, “We are an inclusive community. We are united, and we will stay that way. We will be strong, and I appreciate that very much.”

City Manager John Weidl said, “I’m happy to have been one of the speakers at the Whitewater Pride event this year. It’s a perfect example of supporting Whitewater’s mission to embrace the cultural and educational opportunities that come with a thriving University and an increasingly diverse population. Seeing our community come together in support of inclusivity and acceptance was truly inspiring. A big thank you to the organizers and everyone involved for making this event such a meaningful success!”

Whitewater High School Associate Principal, Kate McNulty, said, “I’m proud to have participated in sharing the district’s Inclusionary Statement. It was impactful to have the City of Whitewater, UW-W, and WUSD represented and united in support of this mission, demonstrating that Whitewater is a welcoming and diverse community.”

Sponsors of the Pride Rally who contributed financially to help support the local LGBTQ+ community include: The Coburn Family, Madison College, Generac, Whitewater Unites Lives, TDS Telecom, The Dem Party of Wisconsin, Stellar Vintage, Botanica Beauty Parlour, Fort HealthCare, Fort Community Credit Union, Discover Whitewater Chamber of Commerce, and T-Mobile of Lake Geneva.

“These community partners not only provided financial support to the work of Whitewater Pride, but they also stood 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.

Event supporters included 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.

Plans are underway for next year’s Pride event slated for Saturday, October 4, 2025.

For more information visit www.whitewaterpride.org, Instagram @whitewaterpride, or Facebook at Whitewater Pride.