Updated 7/2/25 @ 8:45 p.m. to add the push-in for the new fire truck on Friday.
Join us for Whitewater’s Annual 4th of July Celebration — happening July 3rd–6th at the Cravath Lakefront!
It’s a tradition generations strong — where family, friends, and neighbors come together to celebrate Independence Day with:
TWO nights of fireworks
A family-owned carnival with rides, games, funnel cakes, & more!
Food & beer served up by local churches and civic groups
Live music at the Frawley Ampitheatre
A massive 4th of July parade full of hometown spirit
And don’t forget there’s also: Miss Whitewater Pageant, Karaoke, Car Show, AND family day complete with camel rides!
There’s something for everyone, and **you’re invited** to be part of the celebration!
4th of July Festival Quick Tips from the questions we get most often:
– Festival opens Thursday. Full schedule on Website – www.whitewater4th.com or at the bottom of this article
– Festival is cash only. Yup it’s true, plan ahead.
– Wrist band sessions are on the festival schedule and only at specific times not throughout the entire event.
– All food vendors south of the railroad tracks are local organizations – this is a fundraiser for them. Please support them as much and as often as you can. [Food and beverages from the community groups require tickets that are purchased from the festival booths. Those tickets may not be used for the carnival rides and food.]
– Fireworks are 10 pm 7/4, 7/5. If for any reason there are weather changes the ONLY place to stay informed is the Whitewater 4th of July Festival Facebook page, we are a water launch and a metal platform + explosives + lightning don’t mix.
– The festival (outside of family owned and operated carnival) is volunteer run; please be kind and thankful for the tremendous amount of time these folks invest in this event to celebrate with their friends and neighbors.
– The parade is 7/4 at 10 am. Preceded by the Whippet City Mile at 9:45. Road closure is a firm 9:30 am.
– Road closures around the festival on Whitewater St run through 7/7. Thanks for your patience.
– Helping hands make light work. The festival is always seeking volunteers and donor support. Connect with us down at the ticket booths or by email whitewater4th@gmail.com
– Thank the city streets crews when you see them. They are also working as hard as our volunteers, and we are so thankful for their partnership.
Last but not least, be patient with our social media page, we try to answer comments but once we’re on-site that is our primary focus.
Have an absolutely amazing holiday week, be safe, hydrate, and have fun! PS we really won’t mind if you share this post to help remind your friends!
Festival Schedule
Thursday, July 3, 2025
Christman Family Amusements Wrist Band Session: 5-9 PM, $25 each wrist band
Family Day Sponsored by Generac 4-7 PM
Karaoke at Frawley Ampitheater: 4-6 PM
Miss Whitewater Pageant at Frawley Ampitheater: 6:30 PM
Civic Organization Food Vendors: 4-11 PM
Friday, July 4
Whippet City Mile: 9:45 AM along parade route
4th of July Parade: 10 AM
Civic Organization Food Vendors: 10 AM to 11 PM
Push-in ceremony for new fire engine – Noon at the Fire Department (holding off till 12:30 if the parade is still underway)
Christman Family Amusements: 12-4 PM Wrist band Session
Live Music at Frawley Amphitheater:
After the Parade – enjoy one of the bands in the parade on stage!
2 PM Jeff Winard Polka Party
5 PM Rural Route 3
8 PM Stetsin and Lace
Fireworks: 10 PM
Saturday, July 5
Christman Family Amusements Wrist Band Sessions: 12-4 pm, 5-9 pm – $25
40th Annual Car Show 2-6 PM
Civic Organization Food Vendors: Noon to 11 PM
Live Music at the Frawley Ampitheater:
12-1:30 PM Brian Matteson
2 PM Sawyer Road
5 PM Gebel Girls
8 PM Brightside
Fireworks 10 PM
Sunday, July 6
Carnival Only – Last chance for rides and a wrist band session!
Christman Family Amusements Wrist Band Special: 12 to 4 PM, $25 each
Editor’s note: This article is based on the festival’s Facebook page and website.
