During the annual Cookin’ on Kampeska event, hundreds of locals and visitors gather together for a sizzling good time.
Hosted against the picturesque backdrop of Lake Kampeska, the event offers three days of sunshine, food, activities, and entertainment for all ages.
“The overall goal of this event is three-fold: to create a signature summer event for Watertown, emphasizing Lake Kampeska and its family-friendly features, and providing activities that elevate the quality of life experience in our community,” stated Tim Sheehan, CEO and president of the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce.
The festivities kick off on Thursday evening and last through Saturday. Throughout the event, check out music from local musicians, food trucks, activities for the whole family, and more.
Throughout Friday and Saturday, there are two People’s Choice food competitions where patrons can cast their votes to crown a winner.
During a warm July evening, the 605 team headed to Stokes- Thomas Lake City Park to Cookin’ on Kampeska’s opening night.
The first night is centered around local music, earning the title of Thursday Night Live on Lake Kampeska.
“Thursday evening is family-friendly, hosting a plethora of activities for kids to run around and enjoy, like bounce houses and the onsite playground, while parents can lounge and listen to the scheduled band,” said Sheehan.
Sprawled across a grassy knoll were lawn chairs seating adults with beverages in hand, enjoying conversation and bopping along to the music of The Johnny Holm Band.
“Cookin’ on Kampeska typically switches gears in the evening,” explained Sheehan. “It’s more adult leaning with a major focus on live music.”
We used this opportunity to familiarize ourselves with the event, capture photos and videos, and chat with locals.
Our team gathered at our self-titled “home base” by the stage to watch kids and adults show off their best dance moves.
On Friday, there are plenty of activities for patrons to partake in. Kids can enjoy inflatables and balloon art in the kids’ clubhouse.
The main event of Friday night, though, is the People’s Choice Chislic Competition.
“With the help of our sponsors, each participating team is provided 30 pounds of beef roast that they cube, season, and prepare for more than 1,000 hungry taste testers,” shared Sheehan.
Attendees looking to participate in the contest receive a ballot to cast their vote for the team they believe served the best meat.
605’s Alana Snyder, Cailyn Patterson, Greta Smith, and I wandered around the campground, taking in the decorated tents of the participants.
“These teams also enter their meat into the judged portion of the event for a second chance to win,” added Sheehan.
WHAT TO BRING
SHEEHAN’S COOKIN’ ON KAMPESKA CHECKLIST:
• CASH
• LAWN CHAIR
• SUNSCREEN
• STRETCHY PANTS
Once the competition was coming to a close, we met back up with 605’s John Snyder to sit along the water and watch the upcoming KXLG Radio Boat Parade. The parade is made up of decorated boats from participating local businesses, showcasing the appreciation and love they hold for Lake Kampeska.
We watched boats glide across the water as the sun was setting before making our way back to the entrance. Just as we were about to hop into our van, we witnessed a car driving out of the lake.
The team was intrigued, yet confused by this phenomenon, until John approached the driver to ask how this was possible. We learned it was an Amphicar, which is a portmanteau of “amphibious” and “car.”
AND THE WINNER IS…
PEOPLE’S CHOICE CHISLIC:
DA FELLAS BBQ
JUDGE’S CHOICE CHISLIC:
FARM BUREAU FINANCIAL SERVICES
PEOPLE’S CHOICE PORK:
SIGN PRO SMOKIN’ KINGS
JUDGE’S CHOICE PORK:
FARM BUREAU FINANCIAL SERVICES
Friday night’s festivities ended with a performance from Breaking Bob.
On Saturday, Cookin’ on Kampeska began bright and early with a half marathon at 7 a.m. and a 5K run at 9 a.m., but at 10 a.m. it was all about the kids, Sheehan shared.
“The kids have the chance to enjoy the Little Miss and Mister Kampeska Contest, Kids Magical Experience, face painting, balloon art, and more,” he added.
Kids aged 6 to 12 have the chance to participate in the Kids Que, competing to see who can grill and garnish the best hot dog.
“We want to encourage the love of barbecuing to the next generation,” said Sheehan.
The youth competition leads right into the second contest of the day— the People’s Choice Pork Competition.
As with the chislic contest, participants receive 30 pounds of pork shoulder roast that will be tasted by the hungry crowd.
“THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE! WHETHER IT’S A BABY, YOUR GRANDPARENTS, OR ANYONE IN BETWEEN, THEY’LL HAVE A GREAT TIME.” –Tim Sheehan
Cookin’ on Kampeska ended its festival with an electric performance from Eclipse.
This year, the 12th annual Cookin’ on Kampeska will take place July 18-20.
Sheehan always looks forward to seeing the community come together and enjoy three days full of fired-up fun.
“Each night as the sun is setting over the lake, we get to pause for a moment, look at the crowd having a great time in the glow of the stage, and know that we made something great for the Watertown community,” he expressed.
