Events & Projects

Christmas Celebration 2024

Christmas fun all month long!

Mark your calendars and join us for a holiday extravaganza!

The first Friday of December is traditionally the date of our Parade of Lights, but new for 2024 is an expanded event!

December 6th | 4-8p: Parade of Lights presented by Generac and MORE

4p-8p: Enjoy downtown festivities and the Windows of Whitewater contest, deocrated windows will remain through the end of Dec)

6p: Watch the Annual Parade of Lights generously sponsored by Generac that will end at Cravath Lakefront Park so you can get up close and personal with the floats.

Shortly after the parade: Witness the Park Lighting Ceremony of Whitewater's first ever 8ft light displays! Back by popular demand, you can also check out many decorated pallet trees by local businesses, organizations, and community members. (All up through Jan 6)

5-8p: Shop the Holiday Market inside Cravath Lake Community Center

December 14th | 5-8p: Family Fun activities with Santa inside Cravath Lake Community Center

December 20th | 6-8p: Chili Cook-off and a holiday movie inside Cravath Lake Community Center

📸 : Dave Saalsaa

Whitewater Area 4th of July Festival

East Gateway Sculptures

The East Gateway Sculptures, titled Ascent and Bloom by Milwaukee artist Richard Taylor, are dedicated by Fort Community Credit Union to its members and the Whitewater community.

Inspiration:

Each sculpture draws on the past, present, and future of the Whitewater community. While drivers may remark the similarity to trees and appreciate the way they blend into the city’s landscaping, walkers and bikers are able to take in each panel, or “branch”. Images of items from the Esterly Reaper factory, agricultural plowing patterns, and native birds are among images featured. Artist Richard Taylor also received assistance from the Whitewater Historical Society while researching the area. Viewers are encouraged to view the pieces and plan a visit to the Depot Museum to see the featured historical artifacts and learn more about Whitewater’s colorful past. A link to the Whitewater Historical Society website can be found here.

Taylor said of his process, “My approach to the Gateway Sculptures was first to use abstract tree compositions. Rusted steel seemed appropriate for the material as it is very durable, has an organic look to it, and requires no maintenance. I tried to unify these symbols [of Whitewater’s history and spirit] not only by their placement near one another, but by a subtle theme of arcs flowing through the artwork, like water flowing in the river. The pieces are topped by two iconic Whitewater items, the bell in front of City Hall and the stars from the flag in the Historical Society. Whitewater has a rich history, and it was fun and rewarding paying tribute to it in these sculptures.”

Please click here to see illustrations of the pieces' panels. You will note slight changes between the renderings here and the finished product. This is the result of the artistic process and working with community input.

Photos with Artist Richard Taylor in his Studio

Sculpture Installation Photos

Landscaping Photos with UW-Whitewater Learning Communities

Volunteer Opportunities

At Downtown Whitewater, we have tons of opportunities to volunteer! Email director@downtownwhitewater.com or call (262) 473-2200 for more information.

Market

Every Tuesday

Market Maker 2-3:30pm
It truly takes a village to run the Whitewater City Market every week! Help us move picnic tables, set out tables and chairs, place signs, set up tents and more.

Clean-Up Champion 6-8pm
There’s still a lot to do after the Market fun ends every week! Assist with clean up and tear down of market materials. (We start early as daylight shortens toward the end of market season!)

Parade of Lights

Date: TBD 2022

Set-Up Elf 2-4pm
Help us get the town parade-ready for Santa! Assist with setting up children’s activities, the winter market, and parade prep.

Santa’s Helper 4-6pm
Santa needs help supervising his elves as they make crafts and play games before the parade begins! You will be stationed at one of the businesses in Downtown Whitewater and responsible for supervising children’s activities.

Parade Security 6-6:45pm
Get a front row seat for the parade when you volunteer as a parade security guard! You will be responsible for manning the barricades that block the parade route from the rest of the street. Hot chocolate and hand warmers will be provided.

Clean-Up Elf 7-8pm
Help us clean up after the parade, winter market, and children’s activities.

Downtown Cleanup

Every Friday

Mother Nature Warrior Call or email to set up a time.
Help us keep Downtown Whitewater clean! You will be responsible for caring for the community via cleanups in the downtown area, light landscaping prairie maintenance and occasionally assisting with light office work.

USDA Rural Business Development Grant

USDA Rural Business Development Grant - Community Branding