July 9, 2026
VIROQUA, Wis. – Viroqua Childcare Cooperative is celebrating the success of its inaugural Family Fun Fest, held Thursday June 25. The event brought together families, local businesses, school staff, and volunteers in support of the future of Montessori preschool and childcare in Viroqua.
Centered on family fun, the event included live music, backyard bubbles, face painting, crafts, and games for all ages, as well as a silent auction and bake sale. Hosted at Magpie Gelato, the evening created a fun environment for families to meet and play while raising critical funds to support the transition to a cooperative this fall.
The Viroqua Childcare Cooperative extends heartfelt thanks to its generous event sponsors, including Organic Valley, VernonCom, Ethos Green Power, Wonderstate Coffee and Compeer Financial, as well as the many local businesses and individuals who donated auction items, baked goods, and other contributions. The generosity of the community made this celebration possible.
Special appreciation also goes to the dedicated staff and volunteers whose countless hours of planning and service created a memorable day for everyone who attended. Most importantly, they thank the families, friends, and community members who came out to participate. The enthusiastic turnout demonstrated that accessible, high-quality childcare is a shared community priority and that Viroqua is ready to invest in its youngest learners.
“We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support our community showed,” said Lauren Larsen, a founding member of the new cooperative. “Family Fun Fest wasn’t just about fundraising, it was a celebration of what makes this community so special. Seeing families come together in support of quality childcare reminds us that this work matters, and that we’re building something meaningful together.”
The success of Family Fun Fest marks an exciting step toward the Cooperative’s official transition this fall. As the organization prepares to open this new chapter, community support continues to play an essential role in ensuring local families have access to exceptional childcare and early childhood education.
To learn more about the Viroqua Childcare Cooperative, upcoming opportunities to get involved, or ways to support its mission, please reach out to viroquachildcarecoop@gmail.com.
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