ARTicipation Week and Arts on the Square returned to Waupaca from August 10-16 with a full schedule, and the rain did not slow it down. Sponsored by the Community Vision Fund, a fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, the week brought people of all ages together for hands-on art, live music, and community fun, leading into Saturday’s juried art show.

“ARTicipation Week and Arts on the Square are inspiring examples of what can happen at the intersection of creativity, community, and collaboration,” said Jenny Krikava, Community Engagement Manager for the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region. “These events bring people together, strengthen connections, and celebrate the unique spirit of the Waupaca area. The Waupaca Community Arts Board’s commitment to accessible arts and strong community partnerships reflects the kind of local energy and impact that make communities across our region vibrant and welcoming.

New to the event this year, the community-made SHINE sculpture created a gathering space for yoga, drumming, and talks. The Art Ferris Wheel turned heads behind the library, with painted banners between the spokes forming a moving gallery.

Throughout ARTicipation Week, visitors enjoyed a community sing-along, cheered on the kids’ art bike parade, and caught evening music. Downtown retailers hosted the Friday Night Street Dance and a public art/wine walk. On Saturday, Arts on the Square featured 35 juried artists, three music stages, a performance dance stage, along with workshops, demonstrations, and a food and beverage area.

Even with the weather affecting two moments, organizers reported the best attendance yet at many events during the week. Opening day on Sunday was canceled due to a fast-moving storm that arrived late Saturday morning. The Ferris wheel had just begun rides at 10:30 a.m. when storms hit around 10:45. Volunteers quickly shut down power and moved families to safety. Children’s musician Tom Pease kept singing acoustically and later continued in the library basement, calming nervous kids while the storm passed.

“A restaurant next door sent over chips and salsa, we brought beer, wine, and water, and everyone texted friends to come listen to A Joyful Little Band, and Kate Voss and the Hot Sauce,” said Marci Reynolds, President of the Waupaca Community Arts Board and Co-founder of The Arts Hub “We had a full and joyous house.”

Next year marks the 20th anniversary of Arts on the Square. Organizers plan to keep ARTicipation Week downtown and are exploring the option of moving Saturday’s festival to the Arts Hub/Rec Center campus to improve safety and utilize indoor studios and performance areas in case the weather changes.

Looking ahead, Marci added, “We’re already thinking about the 2026 community art project. It will be hard to top the Art Ferris Wheel, but we’re working on it.”

The Waupaca Community Arts Board is a diverse group of passionate volunteers dedicated to incorporating the arts into everyday life of people of all ages and artistic abilities by promoting creativity, artistic expression, and community building. To learn more, visit https://www.waupacaarts.org/