A Community United in Celebration
Downtown Willmar came alive on Saturday, September 13, 2025, as more than 1,000 people gathered for Willmar Welcoming Week 2025. Families, friends, and neighbors filled the streets near the City Auditorium to celebrate culture, community, and connection. The event served as a vibrant reminder that Willmar thrives when everyone feels seen, valued, and included.
The afternoon opened with the Willmar Brass Band and a welcoming proclamation from Mayor Douglas Reese, followed by a sea of flags from nations around the world carried by local residents during the “We Are Willmar” presentation. From there, the day unfolded with energy and color featuring live performances, delicious foods, and engaging activities for all ages.
A Celebration of Culture and Connection
Throughout the afternoon, the community enjoyed free food samples representing a variety of cultures, along with dishes from local food trucks. Performances showcased the rich traditions of the Karen, Somali, Ukrainian, Peruvian, and Mexican communities, drawing smiles and applause from the crowd.
Children painted faces, created art, and played games while learning about different cultures through hands-on experiences. Booths and resource tables from local organizations offered opportunities to connect with programs, services, and volunteer groups, helping residents strengthen their roots in the Willmar area.
The theme for 2025, “Stories We Share,” reflected the spirit of inclusion and unity that guided the entire event. Welcoming Week served as a reminder that when we open our hearts and minds to one another, we build a stronger, more connected community.
A Year in Review: Partnership and Progress
While Welcoming Week was the highlight, the Inclusion Committee’s impact spanned the entire year. In 2025, the committee worked alongside 20 sponsors, including Willmar Lakes Area Vision 2040, whose funding and in-kind support helped make community efforts possible. Together with 150 partner organizations and more than 300 volunteers, the committee led initiatives to foster inclusion, belonging, and cross-cultural understanding across Willmar with over 5,000 attendees throughout 2025.
These efforts would not be possible without the dedication of the Willmar Welcoming Week Planning Committee, whose members represent a diverse group of community organizations committed to building a welcoming and inclusive Willmar.
Willmar Welcoming Week Planning Committee Organizations
- United Community Action
- Jennie-O Turkey Store
- Ridgewater College
- Willmar Community Education and Recreation
- Arrive Ministries
- City of Willmar
The partnerships formed this year continue to strengthen the community’s commitment to creating spaces where everyone feels at home. By celebrating diversity and working together, Willmar showed once again that belonging is not just an idea, it’s a shared way of life.
