Baldwin’s Windmill Days: Where small-town pride meets big-time celebration

A festival rooted in heritage—and lifted by joy

In Baldwin, Wisconsin, a towering windmill isn’t just a photo op—it’s a symbol of pride, history, and the spirit behind Windmill Days. Held every June, this four-day festival brings the village together with a lineup that mixes Dutch-themed charm (think clogging and ski races) with modern thrills like laser shows, glow runs, axe throwing, and carnival rides.

The atmosphere? Electric. The planning? Year-round. The vibe? Unmistakably Baldwin.

What it means to be a Hometown Throwdown finalist

Being named a 2025 Hometown Throwdown finalist is more than an award—it’s a moment. Voted for by participants across the country for its exceptional community spirit, volunteerism, and staying power, Windmill Days received $10,000 to help grow its impact in Baldwin and beyond.

Unlike one-day pop-up events, Windmill Days represents something deeper: a town-wide commitment to celebrating where you’re from and welcoming everyone to be part of it.

Learn more about the important role local festivals play in keeping communities connected.

What makes Windmill Days special?

Windmill Days isn’t your average summer festival—it’s a hometown legacy powered by tradition, imagination, and year-round dedication. Here’s what truly sets it apart:

• An iconic windmill at the heart of it all
  Baldwin’s towering windmill isn’t just a symbol—it’s a rallying point for community pride, serving as the backdrop to parades, performances, and countless photo ops.
• A weekend of events for every generation
  From toddlers enjoying inflatables to grandparents dancing to live music, Windmill Days offers something for every age and interest. Petting zoos, carnival rides, axe throwing, clogging, tractor pulls—it’s all here.
• A volunteer force that runs deep
  Behind every glow stick and funnel cake is a network of local volunteers who plan, coordinate, and bring this event to life nearly 11 months out of the year—driven not by profit, but by pride in their town.
• A celebration that blends heritage and fun
  Rooted in Baldwin’s Dutch ancestry, the festival honors tradition through events like ski races and clog dancing while also embracing high-energy experiences like laser light shows and a glow run.
• A mission bigger than the moment
  More than a weekend of fun, Windmill Days is a way to pass down local culture, spark joy, and build lasting community connections—something that grows stronger year after year.

Cenex® & Windmill Days: Fueling more than floats

Cenex doesn’t just provide fuel. We support what drives communities forward—from tractors and trucks to tradition and teamwork. Through the Hometown Throwdown, we recognize local festivals that embody resilience, creativity, and homegrown joy.

Windmill Days fits that vision perfectly—and we're proud to help this small-town festival go even bigger next year.

See 2025 grand prize winner

About Cenex
Cenex is the largest cooperative refiner in the country, bringing over 90 years of expertise in high-quality energy solutions. Cenex offers premium fuels, lubricants and propane products that power both vehicles and homes in America.