Warren, PA - A first-of-its-kind event is coming to the Allegheny Reservoir this Labor Day weekend, as Kinzua Rocks the Wake brings professional water stunts, live music, and family-friendly activities to Kinzua Beach.

The event is made possible through state grants awarded to the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau and Warren County Visitors Bureau. The goal: bring more people to the reservoir while showcasing what the area has to offer.

The weekend will feature performances by the Chippewa Lake Water Ski Show Team from Ohio—recognized for their championship-level routines—and Ski Extreme out of Wisconsin, with freestyle jet ski tricks and high-flying flyboard stunts.

“This is something brand new for our area,” said Rustin Lippincott, Executive Director of the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau. “We wanted to highlight all of the resources here. It's not only a chance to show off the area but to specifically show off what makes it a great place to visit. So, all weekend we will have local food vendors, wineries and breweries and live music, showcasing what this area has to offer."

Food trucks, wineries, breweries, and live bands will line the beach throughout the weekend, creating a festival atmosphere.

"This really started with the idea of a water ski stunt show and then it just exploded from there," explained Casey Ferry, Executive Director of the Warren County Visitors Bureau. "It's been a privilege to join forces with the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau - because this is a shared resource between the two counties, it's a great thing to collaborate with them and bring this event to our area. There will be live music every night, food trucks, the works - it will be a huge festival, something that has never been done on the reservoir before, it's going to be awesome."  

For Warren County residents, it’s an opportunity to see something typically reserved for larger waterfront venues.

“Kinzua beach and the reservoir are such a wonderful resource, one that I think is underutilized," stated Warren County resident, Katie Keeports. "There are great hiking and biking trails here, along with the river. Having an event here could be really good for the community.”

"I know we have a lot of avid boaters in community that would love to see stuff like that," added fellow resident Ryan Zavinski. "I'm excited to see something like that here."

Nearby businesses, like Docksiders Cafe and Marina, are preparing for increased crowds.

“We were very excited when we heard the announcement about this event," stated Ashley Hoisington, Docksiders Cafe and Wolf Run Marina Owner. "It's always good when you have an event - especially something new, come to the area." 

Organizers are hopeful that Kinzua Rocks the Wake will become an annual tradition and open the doors for more festivals in the area.

The event is free to attend and will run all Labor Day weekend, August 30th through September 1st at Kinzua Beach along the Allegheny Reservoir.

For more information about Kinzua Rocks the Wake, visit here.

For more information about Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau and upcoming events in McKean County, visit here.

For more information about Warren County Visitors Bureau and upcoming events, visit here.