Racine & Me: Chili Ice Walk and more with Downtown Racine Corporation
RACINE, WI (CBS 58) -- Yolanda Coleman with Downtown Racine Corporation joined us in studio to promote upcoming events including the Chili Ice Walk and more.
Brace yourselves for a sizzling adventure at the Downtown Racine Corporation's Chili Ice Walk – Where Ice Meets Spice and the Hunt is On!
Ice Sculpting
Prepare to be mesmerized as professional carvers turn blocks of ice into frozen masterpieces along Main and 6th St. Capture the magic and stay tuned on our Downtown Racine Corporation Facebook page for the people's choice voting – because your opinion matters!
Chili Lovers' Delight:
Come with an appetite and dive into a chili-sampling frenzy at Downtown's finest restaurants. From Red Onion to The Maple Table, the chili lineup is as diverse as it is delicious. Don't forget to grab your scorecards for the Best Chili competition – available at RacineDowntown.com and our DRC office at 425 Main St. starting Feb. 20
Frozen - Olaf Scavenger Hunt Extravaganza:
Embark on a Chili and Ice-themed Olaf scavenger hunt through the windows of 20 businesses. It's a quest filled with surprises, and it won't cost you a dime to participate! Complete the hunt and be entered to win prizes. Pick up your official Scavenger Hunt maps at the DRC office or RacineDowntown.com starting Feb. 15.
Craft Beer Finale:
Cap off the festivities with the grand finale of Downtown Racine's Craft Beer Week. Bars and restaurants will be pouring free craft beer samples and offering exclusive discounts. It's the perfect way to toast to a day well spent!
Easy Parking:
Worry not about parking – head to the Lake Avenue Ramp, Shoop Ramp, State & Main or the McMynn Ramp for just $4.00 all day.
Coleman also talked about special awards with us:
With a standing-room-only crowd, over 125 people attended the Downtown Racine Corporation’s Annual State of the Downtown and Achievement Award Presentation on Monday, January 26 at The Red Onion.
Kelly Kruse, executive director, announced some exciting new things for 2026 as well as recapped the accomplishments of 2025 on topics from business development, marketing, downtown events and clean and safe initiatives.
Highlights included:
· 21 New Businesses: Nearly double new businesses opened in 2025 compared to 2024.
· Unlocking Capital Grant: Downtown Racine was one of six downtowns in the Nation to receive a $70k grant to attract new business.
· Events with Impact: The Downtown Racine Corporation (DRC) hosted 80+ event dates in 2025 with Party on the Pavement bringing in over one million in direct spending. HayMarket also noted nearly $500k spent in the district over the 7 dates.
· Downtown BID Investments: The Downtown Business Improvement District (BID #1) invested in a new street sweeper, and 25 new holiday wreaths to enhance the area’s appeal.
· -Innovative Public Art: For its 25th year of Public Art, DRC announced a partnership with Gateway Technical College’s welding students to create 25 giant “Greetings from Racine” postcards, adding a unique artistic element to downtown.
“To be able to share this type of information to the large audience that we had was exciting, especially given the tremendous diversity of the stakeholders in attendance. We look forward to sharing additional updates as significant progress is made during 2026 and beyond. Downtown is the heart and economic driver of our community.”- stated Kelly Kruse, DRC Executive Director
“With so much happening and growing in Downtown Racine it is always exciting to celebrate the accomplishments of this great community. We are extremely proud of the work we have put in, to make us a thriving, activated destination,” 2025 DRC board chairman Austin Schultz said.
“The Downtown BID (Business Improvement District) has worked diligently to make significant advancements to our downtown. Making initiatives such as promotion, beautification and cleaning priorities have driven positive change,” stated 2025 Downtown BID chairman, Andrew Dodge.
This event also celebrates individuals and organizations that helped excel Downtown Racine throughout 2025. The winners of this year's Downtown Achievement Awards were announced at the State of the Downtown. Over 60 nominations were received this year. The winners are as follows:
Corporate Citizenship Award: An individual who has been a catalyst in improving downtown; has provided service to the downtown community and has worked tirelessly to promote downtown.
Winner: Michael Godfrey, Dominion Properties
Downtown Showcase Award: Celebrating an exhilarating event, person, or organization that has not only attracted visitors and residents but has also significantly contributed to transforming downtown into a lively, dynamic, and happening hub.
Winner: Christmas ‘Eave’
Best New Small Business Award: A new retail shop, gallery or restaurant that has captured the attention of the marketplace and helped enhance downtown.
Winner: Stitched Quilt Shop
Downtown Champion Award: A business or organization that is the ultimate citizen, supporting downtown through employment, facilities, and sponsorship.
Winner: Reefpoint Brew House
CPR Award: The redevelopment of a downtown building or property that has helped enhance the overall downtown neighborhood and revitalize the area.
Winner: Tulip Tavern
6th Street Standout: Recognizes a business that has been a driving force in revitalizing the 6th Street area through innovative ideas, community impact, and attracting tourism to the district.
Winner: Opulence Beauty Lounge
Decades of Dedication: A business or individual whose lasting contributions have shaped the fabric of our downtown for over a decade.
Winner: Hot Shop Glass
The entire presentation can be viewed on the DRC’s Facebook page (@downtownracine).