Take Me To Willy Wash: Forward Movement

As I write this, I am reflecting upon the AtwoodFest from a few weeks ago. It was a concentrated celebration of Food, Art, and Music. I was able to enjoy my Parmesan Tator Tots, drink some great local beer and enjoy 3 stages of awesome music and entertainment. All within an area of 3-4 blocks.

It’s a shame it only lasts for a couple of days. I would have loved to sample the other foods offered, but there was a lot to take in. The best part of Atwood Fest was the palpable pride from all of the participants.

Willy Wash symbolizes the experience I had at AtwoodFest. The vendors and entertainers were attending because of a labor of love, and you could see, taste and hear that first hand. 

Imagine a permanent “AtwoodFest” atmosphere on the banks of the Yahara River. Willy Wash is “Madison Concentrated.”

We have the people for the Willy Wash movement. We are rich with culture, entertainment, food, drink, art, etc.

But web are missing one critical ingredient - a home.

Yes, Willy Wash is designed to occupy the space along the river between Williamson and East Washington Avenue. And we need to act on that. Willy Wash 2.0 must move forward to set up stakes, and truly start the journey of a year round “Public Market” and cultural mall.

There are too many talented people, willing to work to see this through. Now is the time to act to make Willy Wash a reality.

This will be Madison’s answer to Beale Street… The French Quarter… Various other River Walks that grace the country. Willy Wash will be a Gateway to the unique cultural experience Madison has to offer. A way for anyone saying “take me to Willy Wash” to sample what we have to offer in this community we are all immensely proud of. 

But we need a destination to see out movement prosper. Willy Wash needs to set up stakes and grow into our vision of a Public Market filled with FAME.

How do we get to “Take Me To Willy Wash”?

- Jeff Turk