Warren County, PA - The first-ever Kinzua Rocks the Wake festival wrapped up its three-day run at Kinzua Beach inside the Allegheny National Forest over Labor Day weekend.
 
The free event was organized by the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau and the Warren County Visitors Bureau with support from a state grant. Organizers say Saturday’s turnout alone drew more than ten thousand people.
 
Hotels across Warren and McKean Counties reported being sold out, giving a boost to local businesses on both sides of the county line.
 
Professional water ski and flyboard performers headlined the weekend. “It was amazing to perform here for everyone," stated Ryan Peshina, Water skier, Chippewa Lake Water Ski Show Team. "It's always fun and awesome to show people who have never seen skiing, skiing. The crowd was great and were always cheering for us. It's been fantastic."
 
Rustin Lippincott of the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau called the festival a major success. “This has been very impactful for our community, not just for visitors but for the local economy as well,” he said. "Our hotels in Bradford have been sold out and the local restaurants have been full too, from a tourism and economic development standpoint, we could not have asked for a better turnout, especially for a first-time event."
 
Michelle Greenawalt, Bradford Brew Station and Beefeaters Restaurant representative added, “This was such an absolutely amazing opportunity, and we were truly so excited to be a part of the inaugural kick-off event. It's been a great chance for us to get out more into the community and let people know who we are and what we do." 
 
Organizers say they are excited by the turnout and want to keep the momentum going, hoping the success of this year’s event will open the door for more festivals like it in the near future.
 
This year’s festival wrapped up with live music, vendors, water stunt shows, and family activities for all ages.