~contributed by Jefferson Matters Main Street
As Jefferson prepares for the annual Bell Tower Festival, this year’s celebration marks the final festival under the leadership of chair Philip Heisterkamp.
For the past five years, Heisterkamp has helped guide the festival through a period of growth, bringing new ideas, expanded entertainment, larger attractions, and a renewed focus on creating memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike. Under his leadership, the festival has continued evolving while honoring the traditions that have made it one of Jefferson’s most beloved annual events.
Despite many accomplishments during his tenure, Heisterkamp is quick to point out that the festival’s success has never been about one person.
“The reason the festival is what it is now is just because I’m standing on the shoulders of people who have set the scene,” Heisterkamp said. “I in no way, shape, or form want to take credit. It could be better, and I had ideas, but it takes a team to bring those ideas to life.”
Heisterkamp shared those reflections during a recent episode of Jefferson Matters’ podcast, Behind What Matters, where he sat down with Jefferson Matters director Matt Wetrich to discuss his journey with the Bell Tower Festival and the people who have helped shape it over the years.
As a Jefferson native who returned to his hometown, Heisterkamp has long viewed community involvement as an opportunity to give back to the place he calls home.
“Jefferson matters because it’s mine, because I chose Jefferson,” he said. “Since it’s mine, I’m going to treat it a little extra special.”
Throughout his time as chair, Heisterkamp has become known for bringing big ideas to the table, including expanded entertainment, new community activities, larger festival infrastructure, and innovative ways to keep the Bell Tower Festival fresh and engaging.
“I’m an idea guy,” Heisterkamp said. “They come fast and furious.”
During the podcast conversation, Heisterkamp reflected on how many of those ideas became reality thanks to the volunteers, committee members, sponsors, city staff, county partners, and community supporters who helped bring them to life.
“Everyone has a strength,” Heisterkamp said. “It’s about identifying their strength, getting them in the role they flourish in, and helping them do the thing they’re passionate about.”
He also reflected on how serving as festival chair helped him grow personally.
“The festival gave me an opportunity to learn and grow and stretch myself that I didn’t have in a different arena,” Heisterkamp said. “It developed me in a way that I wasn’t developing in other areas of life.”
Wetrich praised Heisterkamp’s leadership, vision, and willingness to continually push the festival forward. “You’re a doer,” Wetrich said to Heisterkamp. “You’re pushing yourself and others outside of their comfort zones. You’re trying new things. You do hard things. And boy, does it feel gratifying at the end. And I think the entire community can see that too and feels very gratified by where the festival is right now.”
As he prepares for his final Bell Tower Festival as chair, Heisterkamp remains focused on the volunteers and supporters who make the event possible.
“There would be no festival without private donations, volunteers, sponsors, and community support,” he said. “We need all the help from all the different places.”
As he looks ahead to his final year as chair, Heisterkamp believes this year’s festival may be the biggest and most ambitious yet. During the Behind What Matters podcast, he described the 2026 Bell Tower Festival as “top-notch,” pointing to expanded entertainment, a larger entertainment stage, a significantly larger Brew Station tent, additional activities, and a continued focus on creating an exceptional experience for those attending the festival.
The full conversation with Heisterkamp is available on the Jefferson Matters YouTube channel and on Spotify through the Behind What Matters podcast. The Bell Tower Festival will take place June 11-13 in downtown Jefferson. For festival information, schedules, volunteer opportunities, and event details, visit the Bell Tower Festival website at www.belltowerfestival.com.
