Celebrate. Connect. Belong.

We’re inviting you to a celebration of community and connection.
2025 Welcoming Week is all about coming together to celebrate who we are, where we come from, and where we are going. It’s a chance to meet your neighbors, share stories, and build a future where everyone belongs.

At Vision 2040, we believe in shaping what’s next by creating spaces that bring people together. This event is one of those spaces. A place where new ideas start, friendships are built, and cultures are celebrated.

Event Highlights

Experience Our Community’s Cultures

From music to performances, watch local talents share their traditions and stories on stage.

Taste the World

Sample free dishes from cultures represented in Willmar. Food trucks will also be onsite with treats to purchase.

Find Community Resources

Discover organizations, programs, and services that are here to help you thrive. Connect with groups working to make Willmar a place where everyone feels at home.

What is Welcoming Week?

Since 2012, communities across the country have been celebrating Welcoming Week to build bridges between long-time residents and newcomers. Willmar is proud to be part of this movement.

This isn’t just an event.
It’s a chance to make connections.
It’s a chance to create a community where everyone feels like they belong.
When we’re all in, we’re all better.

Event Details

📅 Saturday, September 13, 2025
🕑 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
📍 Corner of 6th St SW & Litchfield Ave SW, Downtown Willmar
💲 Free and open to everyone

Thank You to All the 2025 Welcoming Week Sponsors

This event wouldn’t be possible without our community champions:

Welcomer Sponsors

• Southwest Minnesota Arts Council
• BlueCross BlueShield Minnesota
• Southwest Initiative Foundation
• City of Willmar

Belonging Sponsors

• PrimeWest Health
• Willmar Area Community Foundation
• Woodland Center
• CentraCare

Community Builder Sponsors

• Willmar Lakes Area Vision 2040
• Home State Bank
• Jennie-O
• Ridgewater College
• Kandiyouhi County Drug Free Communities Coalition

Neighbor Sponsor

• PACT for Families Collaborative
• Willmar Area Arts Council

In-Kind Sponsors

• West Central Tribune
• Lakeland Broadcasting
• West Central Sanitation

These partners believe in shaping what’s next. Together, we’re building a community that welcomes everyone.