A Message from the Mayor
Dear Racine Residents,
Summer in Racine is in full swing, and I couldn’t be prouder of how our community continues to come together in celebration, service, and shared purpose.
From the incredible turnout at our Fourth of July festivities to the moving close of Pride Month on the steps of City Hall, we’ve seen the strength of our city on full display. These moments remind us what makes Racine special: people who show up, pitch in, and look out for one another.
As we head into mid-July, I hope you’ll take advantage of the many opportunities to connect – whether it’s cooling off with the Fire Department this Friday, enjoying a movie in the park, or stopping by Island Park for our Beer Garden and Family Fun Day. These events not only offer something for everyone, but they also help strengthen the community we all call home.
Thank you for being part of what makes Racine great.
Sincerely,
Mayor Cory Mason
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In this issue:
- Cool Off with the RFD this Friday
- Island Park Beer Garden & Family Fun Day
- Beach Water Quality Monitoring
- Movies in the Park
- July Household Hazardous Waste Collection
- Plus, a look at recent community events!
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Cool Off with the Racine Fire Department This Friday!
Beat the summer heat with the Racine Fire Department at a special community event this Friday, July 11, from 4 to 6 p.m. at McDonald’s, 1520 State Street. Families are invited to stop by for a FREE small frozen drink, explore a real fire truck, and meet the dedicated firefighters who help keep our community safe.
Bring the kids, snap a few photos, and enjoy a fun and refreshing way to connect with your local fire department. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Island Park Beer Garden, Dog Park, and Family Fun Day
The Island Park Beer Garden returns the weekend of July 18–20, featuring cold drinks, live music, great food, and scenic views along the Root River. Hosted by the City of Racine Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) in partnership with Root River Council and Perspective Brewing, this is a summer favorite for all ages.
Beer Garden Hours
- Friday, July 18: 4–8 p.m.
- Saturday, July 19: 12–8 p.m.
- Sunday, July 20: 12–6 p.m.
Family Fun Day – Saturday, July 19 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Saturday’s Family Fun Day offers free activities, games, and displays from City departments and community partners. Families can enjoy a free lunch (starting at noon, while supplies last), Culver’s custard, live music, food trucks, and visits from Police, Fire, Transit, and Library staff. McGruff the Crime Dog is scheduled to appear, and Mayor Mason will be there! Watch our social media for updates and a live video kickoff from our YEP interns.
Join us at Island Park,1700 Liberty Street, for a weekend of fun, community, and summer celebration.
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Did You Know? Racine Monitors Beach Water Quality
During the summer season—from Memorial Day through Labor Day—the City of Racine Public Health Department’s Laboratory Division collects water samples from North Beach and Zoo Beach five days a week. These samples are tested for E. coli, which serves as an indicator of potential pathogens in the water.
This proactive monitoring helps keep beachgoers informed and safe.
Before you head to the lake, check the latest water quality conditions to ensure a safe and fun beach day.
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Movies in the Park
The City of Racine’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) continues its Movies in the Park series next week with a screening of “Sonic 3” on Wednesday, July 17 at Matson Park, 1110 South Street.
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for a fun, free night under the stars.
Coming soon: Don’t miss “A Minecraft Movie” at the Cesar Chavez Community Center on Monday, August 5.
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July Household Hazardous Waste Collection
The next Household Hazardous Waste collection of the year is Saturday, July 19, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Racine Residential Drop-Off Facility and Waste Transfer Station, 6300 S. 21st Street.
Held rain or shine every third Saturday from April through October, these collection events run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Take advantage of this opportunity to dispose of hazardous materials safely and conveniently. For more details, visit the Household Hazardous Waste page.
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Racine Closes Out Pride Month with Unity and Purpose
On June 29, the steps of City Hall were filled with energy, reflection, and celebration as Racine came together to mark the close of Pride Month. The event brought together community members, faith leaders, and elected officials in a powerful show of solidarity, resilience, and hope.
Speakers reflected on the progress made over the past decade while emphasizing the continued need for mutual protection, shared storytelling, and civic engagement. From spiritual affirmations to messages of action, the gathering underscored that Pride is both a celebration and a commitment to care for and stand with one another year-round.
Featured speakers included Pastor Kaye Glennon (Sacred Journeys Spiritual Community), Mayor Cory Mason, State Representatives Greta Neubauer and Angelina Cruz, Carl Hubbard, and Rook Antzcak. Their messages served as a powerful reminder that progress is made not only through policy but through connection and compassion.
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A Proud Fourth of July in Racine
Racine’s 89th annual Fourth of July celebration was a vibrant display of hometown pride, community spirit, and tradition. This year’s theme, Roots in Racine, came to life along Main Street as residents lined the sidewalks to cheer on a wide array of floats, marching bands, and community groups.
We were proud to have Mayor Mason, Police Chief Ramirez, and many members of the Common Council walking in this year’s parade. The City’s RYDE transit system joined the festivities as well, along with the Badger autonomous vehicle, representing the City’s innovation in public transportation. The dedicated teams from our Police, Fire, Parks, and Public Works Departments were also on hand, with both visible and behind-the-scenes efforts that helped make the day run smoothly and safely for all.
The celebration concluded with a spectacular fireworks display over North Beach, generously sponsored by Festival Foods. Their continued support helps make this cherished tradition possible – and unforgettable – for thousands of residents and visitors each year.
A heartfelt thank-you to 4th Fest of Greater Racine and the many volunteers, sponsors, and local organizations who brought this day to life. Racine showed up in full force to celebrate Independence Day. We’re already looking forward to next year and celebrating the Nation’s Semiquincentennial.
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