Rails to Trails Festival - The Rails to Trails Festival in Watertown was born out of a town meeting. In 1993, the city was looking for an event that would celebrate its heritage and provide entertainment and camaraderie for its residents.

The name, Rails to Trails, represents the change of the Luce Line from a railway to a state recreational trail.

Some of the events include the annual Crow River Barbecue Challenge, Golden Spike Treasure Hunt, 5k and kids’ fun run, the grand parade, softball tournament, musical entertainment and events for the little ones as well.

Highland Park in Watertown is the setting for most of the festival’s events including the Crow River Barbecue Challenge, sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society. The contest includes chicken, pork, ribs, and beef challenges with competitors from across the nation.

The family tent plays home to a variety of family entertainment activities. The Watertown Fine Arts Council sponsors some children’s activities.

Rails to Trails and the Crow River Barbecue Challenge are sponsored by the Watertown Lions Club.

The next Rails to Trails will be held July 18 and 19, 2008.

Two other local events in Watertown are the River Rumble and Santa Day.

www.railstotrails.ws

River Rumble - 2007 saw the inauguration of a new fall festival in Watertown with the River Rumble. This celebration was held in the renewed downtown area including the scenic boardwalk along the Crow River. The festival included events featuring live music, the Taste of Watertown featuring local food vendors, city-wide garage sale, and sidewalk sale.

Santa Day - Each year on the first Saturday in December the city is visited by The Big Man from the North Pole.  Area kids can visit with Santa, purchase inexpensive gifts for their family at a youth store, enjoy music and refreshments. The day is topped off with a family favorite; the annual Christmas Tree lighting at City Center Park. The ceremony includes a reading of various Christmas classics as well as hot cocoa, singing of carols and of course the lighting of the tree.