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

Whitewater’s 5th Annual Pride Rally promises to be the biggest and best yet. This free, family-friendly celebration takes place from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. this Saturday at the Cravath Lakefront Park in downtown Whitewater.

“Celebrating five years of our local Whitewater Pride reminds us that when we come together in unity, we create a community rooted in joy, strengthened by pride, and committed to justice. As we honor this milestone, we also send love and support to LGBTQ+ people everywhere – especially our youth – reminding them they are seen, valued, and never alone,” Kim Simes said. Simes is the Executive Vice President of External Affairs for Family Equality and a founding committee member of Whitewater Pride.

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.

Whitewater City Manager, John Weidl, said, “In the military, in the classroom, and in City Hall, I’ve seen that strength comes from unity and from embracing our differences. That’s why my wife and I are proud to call ourselves a Warhawk student and alum, and why I’m proud to stand with Whitewater Pride on this joyous day.”

The event this year includes the UWW Marching Band, community and statewide speakers, engaging performances, live music, interactive dancing, an open mic, 30+ inclusive vendors, and multiple food trucks, including Sampa’s Tacos and Rocky Rococo’s. Speakers, including Wisconsin State Senator Mark Spreitzer, Wisconsin State Representative Brienne Brown, UWW Chancellor Corey King, and WUSD Superintendent Sam Karns will discuss the state of the LGBTQ+ movement and support locally and nationally. A children’s area includes a bounce house, face painting, activities, and story time with a selection of LGBTQ+ children’s books. Leashed pets are also invited to attend and participate in a Pride Pet Costume Contest. 

State Senator Mark Spreitzer said, “I am excited to join Whitewater Pride and help foster an atmosphere of inclusion, acceptance, and celebration throughout the city. I look forward to gathering with the community to celebrate all we have accomplished and loudly proclaim that we’re here, we’re proud to be here, and we’re going to celebrate Pride all year long.”

Please note that drone footage will be taken around 12 Noon on the day of the event for marketing purposes. Multiple announcements will be made prior to the drone flying, pointing out several areas to seek cover if attendees do not want to be filmed. 

This year’s Pride Rally sponsors include: Whitewater Unites Lives, Zumidy Media, Coburn Company, Madison Technical College, First English Lutheran Church, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Rodriguez Rentalz, Fort HealthCare, First Weber Real Estate, Fort Community Credit Union, Stellar Vintage, Sampa’s Tacos, LGBTQ+ Walworth County, the UWW PB Poorman Pride Center, and Pet Supplies Plus of Whitewater.

For more information or to support Whitewater Pride as Sponsor or Donor, visit www.whitewaterpride.org, Instagram @whitewaterpride, or Facebook at Whitewater Pride.