- Home
- Services
- Stay Connected
- The Big 5 Newsletter
- September 2024
September 2024
2024 Multicultural Fair
The City of Sun Prairie is excited to host its annual Multicultural Fair on Saturday, September 21, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sheehan Park, 1375 Linnerud Drive. This event celebrates the many cultures of Sun Prairie through unique performances, cultural exhibitors and vendors, and an array of international cuisines.
The purpose of the fair is to provide attendees the opportunity to connect, learn about different cultures, and appreciate what makes Sun Prairie the community it is. Attendees can look forward to performances, activities, and food representing countries and culture from all around the world such as Africa, Central America, India, and more.
Due to the cancellation of Sun Prairie's Juneteenth Celebration caused by inclement weather, this year's Multicultural Fair will include performers, vendors, and exhibitors from the Juneteenth event, providing the community with an opportunity to celebrate despite the original event's cancellation.
For more information about the 2024 Multicultural Fair, including updates on activities, performers, vendors, and more, please visit www.cityofsunprairie.com/2024MCF or check the event’s Facebook page at https://fb.me/e/4aawg4JsK.
Sun Prairie Website Launch
Visit Sun Prairie, in partnership with the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce, is excited to announce the launch of its tourism website, www.visitsunprairie.com. This new site highlights a range of “what, when and why” people should visit Sun Prairie including special events, shopping, lodging options, gathering places/venues, history and much more. Whether a visitor, prospective business, or a local resident, the site provides valuable insights into the Sun Prairie experience.
Leveraging insights from Visit Sun Prairie’s 2022 Brand Study, the new website boasts an interactive, mobile-friendly design. It integrates with the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce, the City of Sun Prairie, and the Corn Festival site. Developed by Boelter + Lincoln, a marketing agency with a strong track record in travel and tourism, the site enhances the user experience with easy navigation and valuable resources.
Site information will continue to update as new shops, hotels and events are added. To take a peek at what Sun Prairie has to offer, please go to www.visitsunprairie.com. Visitors to the area are also encouraged to stop in the Chamber vestibule, 109 E. Main Street, between 8:00a.m. – 9:00p.m. daily to pick-up the Sun Prairie Community Guide, maps and information about the area.
2024 Climate Change Champion
Dane County Executive Jamie Kuhn and the Office of Energy and Climate Change (OECC) recognized 32 local entities for their leadership in reducing carbon emissions through the Dane County Climate Champions program.
The City of Sun Prairie earned 2024 Climate Champion status for two key initiatives:
- The Wastewater Treatment Plant installed a 403 kW solar array, making it the first municipal facility in Sun Prairie to run entirely on renewable energy. This is the largest municipal solar installation in the city.
- A partnership with Greenbox successfully diverted paper towels from landfills in municipal buildings, contributing to local composting efforts.
Additionally, the Sun Prairie Public Library achieved 3-star Climate Champion status for its all-electric, LEED-certified facility, which features battery storage, geothermal heat pumps, and solar power. The design was supported by FEH Design, Design Engineers, and Snyder and Associates.
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP)
Sun Prairie is updating its Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP). The purpose of the CORP is to provide an outline for park development and ongoing maintenance of our park system. The Parks, Recreation, & Forestry Commission will use this document for budgeting, planning, and assigning priorities for implementation.
Below are some of the goals and particular issues staff hopes to tackle with the updated CORP:
2025-2029 CORP Goals:
- Tie in existing City plans:
- Active Transportation Plan
- Comprehensive Plan
- Park Master Plans
- Identify service gaps and make recommendations to address them
- Identify potential parcels for parkland acquisition
- Identify opportunities that make sense to increase or decrease level of service standards.
To learn more and offer your input, please go to: https://form.jotform.com/SPPRF/CORP-internalsurvey
Administration
IRA Home Energy Rebates
Public Works
Upcoming Changes and Events
Here are a few reminders and upcoming events to note down:
- No trash or recycling collection on Monday, 9/2. Collection services will be delayed by one day for the entire week.
- Brush collection starts Tuesday, 9/3.
- Electronics Recycling Event: Saturday, 9/7.
Electronics Recycling Event
The City is hosting an electronics recycling event on Saturday, September 7th! See details below:
- What: Electronics Recycling Event
- When: Saturday, September 7th from 8:30am to 11:30 a.m.
- Where: Family Aquatic Center, 920 Linnerud Drive
Information on what can be recycled can be found by clicking here.
Sun Prairie Historical Library & Museum
Sun Prairie Historical Library and Museum
The Museum is open to the public Wednesday - Saturday 11:00am - 4:00pm and by appointment for research and special events. To learn more, visit www.cityofsunprairie.com/museum.
Staff can be reached by phone at (608) 825-0837 or by email at museum@cityofsunprairie.com.
The Historical Library and Museum is located at 115 East Main St. Sun Prairie with parking behind the building. Admission is always free.
National Voter Registration Day at the Museum
Are you registered to vote? Stop by the Sun Prairie Historical Library & Museum for special open hours on Tuesday, September 17 to make sure you're ready for the upcoming November election! Staff will be available to assist you with checking your registration status and helping get you registered if needed. All participants will receive an exclusive National Voter Registration Day sticker to show off civic engagement and remind others to get #VoteReady.
Announcements:
Housing Sun Prairie Exhibit Now Open
The Museum has partnered with the City of Sun Prairie Planning Division to curate a new exhibit on the residential development of Sun Prairie since its founding. This exhibit features hands-on learning including a table for youth to design their dream neighborhood. Visit for free during regular hours Wednesday – Saturday, 11:00am - 4:00pm.
Scouts and Clubs Welcome!
Did you know the Sun Prairie Historical Library & Museum hosts customizable visits for scouts, clubs, and other community organizations? Fall is the perfect time to schedule an educational field trip and work toward a new badge or simply expand your Sun Prairie knowledge. Schedule directly with staff by email at museum@cityofsunprairie.com or by phone at (608) 825-0837.
Sun Prairie Public Library
Library Card Fundraiser!
September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month. In celebration, the Sun Prairie Public Library Foundation will be offering two limited edition library cards for $20, September 1-30. Support the aquarium with your very own School of Fish card, or get a Read: Adventure Awaits card featuring Snoopy! Already have a library card? Staff will simply print your existing barcode on your new card. All proceeds benefit the Library Expansion project. Stop by the Library Welcome Desk starting September 1 to purchase your card.
Programs for Children and Teens
Storytimes
Storytimes resume the week of September 23rd. More information is available here: https://www.sunprairiepubliclibrary.org/storytimeinfo
Wednesday, September 25 from 4-4:45 p.m.
Registration is required. You will have to register for each event individually. This club will meet and explore different animals, ecosystems, habitats, and more! This program will meet in the Community Room. Space will be limited. Children can be left with the librarian as long as they are registered. For any questions, problems registering, or for more information, please email Sammy at snieman@sunlib.org or call the Children's Desk at 608-825-0701
Programs for Adults
Thursday, September 5 from 6-8 p.m., Community Room
Stitching in Sun Prairie is a community-based fiber crafts group that meets on the first Thursday of the month! Bring your knitting, crochet, or embroidery projects and craft and chat with fellow fiber art enthusiasts. This program is open to all skill levels. No registration required.
Tuesday, September 10 from 6:30-7:30 p.m., Community Room
Join Ryan Landerholm from Oasis Senior Advisors to learn about senior housing and care options for older adults. During the session, Ryan will cover the different types of care venues, approximate fees, and available funding resources, in order to help guide you towards making informed decisions about your care needs.Oasis Senior Advisors strive to educate the community on the many solutions available, so you can better prepare for your future!
A Conversation with the Author: Peggy Joque Williams
Wednesday, September 11 from 6:30-7:30 p.m., Community Room
Meet Madison author Peggy Joque Williams and learn what life was like in 17th century France under the reign of King Louis XIV.
Peggy will talk about the ancestral inspiration for her book, Courting the Sun: A Novel of Versailles, the research she did to bring her characters to life, and she will show images of the clothing, lifestyles, locations, and historical characters that populate her book. She will also talk about the real-life group of women called the Filles du Roi who were recruited to help King Louis XIV grow his colony in New France (Canada). Books will be available for purchase and signing afterward.
Monday, September 16 and September 23 from 6:30-8 p.m., Community Room
Unleash your creativity and craft your very own masterpieces using air-dry clay! Join us for a two-week pottery workshop led by library staff member, Ren! You will learn how to create small items, such as a trinket dish, ring holder, or incense holder, using air-dry clay and hand building techniques. Participants should plan to attend both weeks and wear clothes that can get dirty. All supplies will be provided. Open to adults 18+. Space is limited. Registration required. Please register on our Event Calendar at www.sunlib.org.
Virtual Concert with Ricardo Parra
Thursday, September 19 from 6:30-7:30 p.m., via Zoom
Please join us for a live, virtual performance by celebrated singer-songwriter and guitarist, Ricardo Parra! Chilean musician Ricardo Parra will showcase songs from his most recent album, as well as perform popular tunes from around the globe.
This event will be held via Zoom. Please register on our Event Calendar at www.sunlib.org and Zoom details will be emailed to you. The event is generously funded by the Friends of the Sun Prairie Public Library.
Saturday, September 21 from 10 a.m.-2p.m., Community Room
Drop by and join us for socializing and puzzle fun! We'll have a variety of puzzles, including jigsaw, crossword and sudoku. Also, participate in our puzzle exchange - bring a puzzle and/or take a puzzle home. This program is free and open to all!
Local Author Event: Kevin Damask
Wednesday, September 25 from 6:30-7:30 p.m., Community Room
Join Sun Prairie author Kevin Damask as he discusses his first book, COLD: The Unsolved Murders of Seven Young Women.This true crime mystery examines the seven unsolved murders of young women in Madison, Wisconsin between 1968-1982. Was a serial killer prowling the serene streets of Madison? Why was key evidence discarded by law enforcement? Why haven’t any of these cases been solved? Damask will discuss these perplexing questions and chat with audience members about the book, theories on the cases and the process of working on COLD.
Copies of COLD: The Unsolved Murders of Seven Young Women will be available for purchase at the event.
Updated Hours at the Sun Prairie Public Library
We adjusted our hours to accommodate construction work for our Expansion and Renovation project. This change allowed the more disruptive construction work to be done while patrons were not in the building, ensuring a safer and more pleasant experience for everyone.
Sun Prairie Utilities
Join Us in Celebrating Public Power!
Public Power Donation Drive
Check out the progress!
Sun Prairie Utilities has set up a live stream of their new operations facility construction site! Residents can watch the progress in real-time by visiting sunprairieutilities.com. Just go to About Us > New Facility, and scroll to View Construction Online. Don’t miss it!
September as Hunger Action Month
Hunger Action Month is an annual campaign dedicated to raising awareness and taking action against hunger. Join us this September, where every action β big or small! β is one step closer to ending hunger.
Established in 2008, Hunger Action Month is an annual campaign where Feeding America and Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin invite the communities that we serve to join the movement to end hunger.
Food insecurity rates in southwestern Wisconsin have increased by 47%. Nearly 130,000 people in southwestern Wisconsin are food insecure. 1 in 10 people in southwestern Wisconsin don't have enough to eat and don't know where their next meal will come from.
The City of Sun Prairie has designated that City Hall will be “turning orange” on September 10 in recognition of Hunger Action Day.
Learn more by visiting https://www.secondharvestsw.org/hunger-action-month/.
Bus Rapid Transit to Launch!
We're thrilled for the upcoming launch of Madison's first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route! Metro's Rapid Route A will use larger buses, dedicated lanes, and a new fare system to move riders more quickly and efficiently across the city.
BRT Features
Electric Buses
- All-electric articulated buses will operate on Rapid Route A, as well as Routes B and F.
- These buses are quieter, more eco-friendly, and can hold 50% more riders than our standard local buses.
New Fare System
- Metro's new tap FastFare system, launching in late August, will speed up boarding on all buses.
- Ticket vending machines will be available at BRT stations, allowing riders using cash to purchase fares before boarding.
Bus-Only Traffic Lanes
- Bus-only travel lanes and traffic signal priority will help buses navigate traffic more efficiently.
New Bus Tracking Technology
- New equipment is being installed on all Metro buses, making it easier to plan your trip and track your bus in real-time.
Accessibility Features
- New Metro buses and stations are equipped with various features to make riding easier and more convenient for everyone.
Bike Racks
- Each BRT bus has bike racks located inside the rear door for easy access.
Station Ticket Machines
- Automatic ticket machines are available at most BRT stations for riders using cash.
Fast Fares for Metro Transit
Metro has installed a new fare system that will make riding the bus faster, easier, and more convenient.
Key Features:
- Reloadable Smartcards: Manage your card through online accounts.
- Fare Cap Pricing: Pay as you go with a cap on daily or weekly fares.
- Convenient Access: Ticket vending machines at most BRT stations.
- Easy Boarding: Tap your card at any bus door when boarding at a BRT station.
How Fast Fares Work:
- Get a Fast Fare Card: Pick one up at Metro, community events, or request by mail at mymetrobus@cityofmadison.com.
- Load Your Card: Add funds at Metro, a sales outlet, or online by creating an account.
- Tap and Go: Use your card on new fare readers available on both BRT and local route buses.
For more information, please visit https://www.cityofmadison.com/metro/fares/new-way-to-pay-fares
RoundTrip Smart Trips Challenge
RoundTrip, Greater Madison's Metropolitan Planning Organization program connecting Dane County residents with transportation options and resources, is hosting a ππ₯ππ π§π₯ππ‘π¦π£π’π₯π§ππ§ππ’π‘ πππππππ‘ππ!
Register at RoundTripGreaterMadison.org and log your carpool, bike, transit, and walk/roll trips throughout September to be entered into weekly and grand prize drawings!
Join your fellow Dane County residents in lowering your carbon footprint, saving money, and winning great prizes. Register today and start logging your trips. Click here to get started!
Taylor Swift Tribute Night (Rescheduled Date)
We’re having our very own Era’s concert with the Eras Encore Band! Join us Friday, September 27 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Sheehan Park for live music, games, food, and more!! Bring your red scarf and get ready to jam out to all the best Taylor Swift hits!
The Eras Encore Band is a female band comprised of local artists covering Taylor Swift songs from all her eras.
Grab some food at one of our food trucks, enjoy a beer from Working Draft, bring a lawn chair and have a great time with our lovely community!
Thank you to our supporting sponsors:
- Sun Prairie Moves
- Forever Home Real Estate
- Andy Eyers- State Farm Agent
- Sun Prairie Utilities
- Josh Erickson Agency LLC- American Family Insurance
- Sun Prairie Library Foundation
- Eddies Alehouse and Eatery
Mental Health Resources Community Picnic
Bank of Sun Prairie Community Workshops
Budgeting
Making Budgets Work
Debt Management
Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn to stay on top of the latest news about job postings, community events, special announcements and much more!