Special Events

Throughout the year, the City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Department hosts Freeze Fest, the Summer Special Olympics, the Summer Concert Series, and other special events.

Freeze Fest

Grab your snow pants and bundle up for another great Freeze Fest event on Saturday, March 18th at Cravath Lakefront Park (341 S. Fremont St). Come enjoy all the activities and support our local Special Olympics.

Chili Cook-Off: 11am - 2:30pm
Do you have the best chili recipe? Do you love to eat chili? Create your winning recipe and become part of the chili cook off or come the the event hungry and vote for your favorite chili. To register go to wwparks.org Class #6224.11, call 262-473-0535 or email jfrench@whitewater-wi.gov. There is no entry fee.

Polar Plunge: 11:00am - 2:30pm

Join hundreds of brave Wisconsin Winter Warriors as they plunge into the icy water of our 18,000-gallon pool at Cravath Lakefront Park as a part of Freeze Fest. Every plunger and non-plunger takes the leap to raise funds to benefit Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes. Don't delay and be part of Freezin' for a Reason today! Visit www.PlungeWI.org to register

Total Event Schedule:

Friday, March 17th

2:00pm- 4:00pm Early Check-In @City Hall (312 W Whitewater Street)

Saturday, March 18th

8:30am-10:30am: Registration @ City Hall ( 312 W Whitewater Street)

9:30am-10:30am: Chili Cook Off Contestants set up

11:00am: Polar Plunge Opening Ceremony

11:00am: Chili Cook-off Open, judging at 11:30am

Special Olympics

The City of Whitewater and the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater are excited to host the 2023 Special Olympics Summer Games on June 8-10, 2023. All events will take place on the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater campus. More than 1,400 athletes from across the state will compete in track & field, cornhole, powerlifting, tennis, and soccer.

The 2023 Special Olympics Summer Games will include a parade of athletes and the opening ceremony, the final leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR medal moments, and more. Fun for the whole family! Fans are welcome to watch the Summer Games from the stands or get involved by volunteering.

The mission of the LETR is to raise funds and awareness for the Special Olympics Movement. LETR is ever-growing and has raised over $600 million for Special Olympics programs since forming. Known as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the “Flame of Hope” into the Opening Ceremonies.

Join or cheer them on as they finish strong and carry the Flame of Hope through your community. All community members are welcome to cheer on the runners or participate in the LETR.