News Summary
Milwaukee’s Silver City Fest brought together around 2,000 attendees to celebrate community diversity with food, music, and performances. The festival showcased local vendors, honored VIA CDC’s 30 years of service, and featured cultural acts, fostering community ties and unity. It received praise from local officials who recognized the organization’s contributions to the neighborhood’s development.
Milwaukee celebrated its vibrant community diversity during the 14th annual Silver City Fest on Saturday, September 6, 2025. The event, hosted on West National Avenue between 32nd and 35th Streets, attracted approximately 2,000 attendees, marking a significant turnout for this free festival organized by the VIA Community Development Corporation (VIA CDC).
The festival showcased Milwaukee’s cultural richness through a variety of activities, including dozens of vendors, art displays, children’s activities, and live performances. Notable acts included the Ometochtli Mexican Folk Dance, the Milwaukee Flyers Tumbling Team, and a lively musical performance by De La Buena. This year was particularly special as it coincided with VIA CDC’s 30th anniversary, highlighting their impressive impact on the community over the past three decades.
JoAnna Bautch, the executive director of VIA CDC, expressed the organization’s pride in its contributions to the community, especially with their recent expansion into the Clarke Square neighborhood, in addition to their ongoing initiatives in Silver City, Layton Park, and Burnham Park. The festival received generous support from sponsors such as the Forest County Potawatomi community, AARP Wisconsin, and JPMorgan Chase, enabling it to foster connections and celebrate local culture effectively.
Attendees at Silver City Fest enjoyed a rich selection of food and music, enhancing community ties. Mark Miskimen, a long-time resident of Silver City, attended the event for the 14th consecutive year and commented on the festival’s growth and consistent community engagement. Another attendee, Karen Garcia, shared that the family-friendly attractions made for a memorable experience for her and her brothers, further proving the festival’s appeal to local families.
The festival garnered praise from state and local officials for the significant accomplishments of VIA CDC. Wisconsin State Representative Priscilla A. Prado presented a citation recognizing the organization’s unparalleled support for over 31,000 neighbors and an investment of $2.7 million in public improvements. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, alongside District 8 Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, declared September 6 as “VIA CDC Day” in the city, celebrating the organization’s long-standing commitment to community service.
This year’s festival featured over 70 local vendors, including small businesses and food trucks, providing a platform for local entrepreneurs. Rosa Sibaja, who sells Mexican American sweets and baked goods, noted the business visibility she gained through the event. Similarly, sisters Melissa and Patty Diaz proudly showcased their business “Southside Sippers,” which specializes in unique mocktails, highlighting their pride as Latina entrepreneurs.
Silver City Fest is designed to strengthen connections among community members while celebrating neighborhood culture. Attendees were encouraged to engage by submitting community snapshots, creating lasting memories of the occasion. The festival’s diverse offerings and inclusive atmosphere were aimed at promoting unity and the celebration of the area’s rich cultural tapestry.
VIA CDC has spent the last 30 years dedicated to fostering growth and development in Milwaukee’s neighborhoods, with a clear objective of nurturing strong, healthy communities. The ongoing success of events like Silver City Fest demonstrates the effectiveness of their mission and the community’s enthusiastic response to such initiatives.
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Additional Resources
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- Wikipedia: Silver City, Milwaukee
- Fox6Now
- Google Search: Silver City Fest Milwaukee
- Urban Milwaukee
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Milwaukee
- MKewithKids
- Google News: Silver City Fest
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- Google Scholar: VIA Community Development Corporation
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
