CDA awards $1,500 to Middleton Pridefest, $2,000 to ArtWalk Middleton

The Middleton Community Development Authority on Feb. 12 approved sponsorships for two downtown events: a $1,500 CDA grant for Middleton Pridefest and a $2,000 grant for ArtWalk Middleton.

Jolyn, the staff presenter, summarized the Middleton Pridefest application, saying the event — slated for June 13, 2026 — has a total budget of about $11,100, expects roughly 700 attendees and had received two previous years of $1,000 CDA funding. The application listed some confirmed sponsors and noted organizers were seeking additional corporate underwriting. Staff said a shortfall would likely reduce entertainment expenses.

Committee members discussed the CDA’s $7,500 round-one sponsorship budget and a goal to reserve about half of round-one funding for a second round of applications. Members proposed splitting the difference between prior support and the current $2,000 request and ultimately moved to award $1,500 to Pridefest; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

On ArtWalk Middleton, staff reported prior CDA backing at $2,000 annually, an anticipated attendance of about 4,000 last year and a program day of May 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the event’s total budget was reported just over $17,000. Committee members expressed support and a motion to award $2,000 passed by unanimous voice vote.

Both votes were taken by voice; the transcript records unanimous "I" responses but does not provide a roll-call tally of individual yes votes. The CDA noted round-two applications will be considered later in spring and that staff expect more requests in round two.