Art, Music, and Marathons: Downtown Watertown Collective Prepares for Jam-Packed Spring and Summer Season (Podcast/Video)
- Steve Jurrens
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The heart of Watertown is beating faster as the Downtown Watertown Collective gears up for a series of events designed to bring art, music, and community spirit to the streets. Michael Heuer and Jill Makepeace sat down with Northeast Radio SD to give a preview of what’s in store, starting with the much-anticipated “Art of Downtown” this weekend.
Art of Downtown: A Celebration of Local Talent
Kicking off this Saturday, May 2nd, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the “Art of Downtown” artwalk will feature at least 16 participating businesses. Each location will host a local artist, offering residents a chance to meet the creators behind the works and explore a variety of styles, from photography and watercolor to acrylic painting and chalk art.
“We have so much wonderful local talent,” said Michael Heuer during the interview. “Sometimes they just don’t get a spotlight, and this is a wonderful opportunity to get introduced to some of those things.”
Jill Makepeace noted that the event is held in collaboration with the Watertown Community Foundation and marks the unveiling of brand-new sculptures throughout downtown. “If you haven’t driven through downtown lately, there are some really beautiful ones this year,” Makepeace said.
A new highlight this year is “Art Alley,” a previously empty corridor between Maverick’s and Mod’s. The space has been transformed into a rotating art feature to keep the downtown experience fresh and engaging for visitors.
Running for a Cause: Dash Around Kampeska
The momentum continues on May 15th and 16th with the “Dash Around Kampeska” series. Friday night features a 5K sponsored by Buffalo Wild Wings, marking a milestone for the “Girls on the Run” program. Approximately 30 fifth-grade girls from the Boys and Girls Club will be completing their first 5K as part of a program designed to boost self-esteem and fitness.
“They love cheerleaders,” Makepeace encouraged community members to come out and support the runners. “Even random strangers that come out and cheer for you, it makes you feel better.”
Saturday morning will see runners tackle the 13.1-mile half-marathon around Lake Kampeska, concluding with a celebration on the boardwalk at City Park.
Summer Concerts and the “Kemp Passport”
Looking ahead to the summer months, the “Concerts on Kemp” series returns on the first Wednesday of June, July, and August. In honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States, this year’s concerts will feature a patriotic “Red, White, and Blue” theme.
To encourage residents to explore more of what the city has to offer, the collective is launching a “Downtown Passport.” Residents can collect stamps at various downtown locations—including the Heritage Museum and the summer concerts—for a chance to win prizes.
How to Get Involved
The Downtown Watertown Collective emphasizes that most of these events are free and designed for all ages. Beyond art and music, the community can also look forward to “Foundations of Fitness” on Saturday mornings, featuring yoga and kickboxing in Foundation Plaza.
“Downtown’s always changing... you never have the excuse there’s nothing to do in Watertown,” Heuer concluded. “Become a part of the community, not just a bystander.”
For a full list of participating businesses and event updates, residents are encouraged to follow the Downtown Watertown Collective on Facebook or visit the Watertown community calendar.
