Public Works approves downtown Snow Days festival and April marathon street closures

The Public Works Committee approved two event permit requests: City use of sidewalks in the downtown and historic districts for Snow Days on Jan. 24, 2026, and a request from T Race Productions LLC to use Celebration Place, close city streets and Italiana Circle for a Wisconsin marathon, half marathon and 5K on April 25, 2026.

Jonathan Cain, an event representative who gave an address in Bensonville, Illinois, said the applicant typically sets up the day before events to avoid race‑day delays and requested permission to stage equipment and street closures on April 24. “So asking for the 24th to actually set up everything within the park and, get all the different streets closed up for the actual race as well,” Cain said.

An event organizer identified as Coachman said Snow Days is expected to draw downtown businesses and include activities in the park and ice‑sculpture sponsorships; the park commission had already approved the park activities. “We expect a really good participation again with the downtown businesses,” Coachman said.

Staff told the committee that Friendship Park had been reserved as an optional staging area but likely would not be programmed. The committee moved and approved both permit requests by voice vote.

Why it matters: downtown festivals and races require coordination among Public Works, parks, and public safety for street closures, staging and access; approvals now give organizers time to finalize logistics and coordinate with affected businesses. The committee did not attach special conditions beyond standard permitting; staff and applicants will handle setup scheduling and any additional operational details.

Next step: Event organizers will continue to coordinate with city staff on staging, street closure timing and any required permits.