For as long as I can remember, Musky Fest has been where summer begins and Hayward comes together. What started as a small-town celebration of our claim to fame has grown into a festival that honors our lakes, our fishing heritage, and the spirit of the Northwoods. The festival’s roots tie back to the legendary fish itself: a musky caught on the Chippewa Flowage that sparked pride and some debate ever since. Musky Fest is a reminder of what unites us: a love for our waters, our fish, and our community.
This year, I had the honor of being selected by the Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce (Kozlowski Co. is a proud member) as the festival’s media representative—a role that allowed me to capture the spirit and energy of the entire weekend. Seventy-five years of history, memories, and community pride led to this milestone celebration—a festival that has grown alongside Hayward itself. As media representative, I took on photography, short-form video creation, and the challenge of managing and growing the festival’s social media presence. From the moment the streets filled with visitors to the final sweep of confetti from Main Street, I was reminded of just how much this festival means to Hayward, and to me.
Weathering the Weekend, Together
There was no shortage of heat, and I mean that in every sense. Our region was under an extreme heat advisory, with the sun bearing down and everyone searching for shade and cold drinks. Around here, we like to say, “it wouldn’t be so bad if it wasn’t for the wind,” but truthfully, that breeze was the saving grace that made the heat bearable. On top of that, the weekend came with the added challenge of a severe weather threat that reminded us how unpredictable a Northwoods summer can be. When storms rolled in Friday evening and early Saturday morning, it caused damage to vendor tents and the surrounding community, but the community rallied immediately. Several festivalgoers, townspeople, and strangers showed up in town and pitched in to clean up, reset, and keep the spirit of the festival alive.
(photos taken by Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce)
The Little Things That Made It Big
Before my official coverage kicked off on Thursday, my mornings were filled with the excitement of the medallion hunt — a new event for the 75th Musky Fest, and one I’m sure will return by popular demand. The $2,025 prize made the search even sweeter, marking this milestone year in a memorable way. Each day started with WRLS Radio announcing clues at 7:30 and 9:30. I’d set my alarm early, eager to beat the crowds and try to piece together the puzzle. The clues took me all over town: boat landings, library trails, parks — places that felt familiar but became part of a shared adventure for everyone hunting.
What made the medallion hunt so special was the sense of community that came with it. Each morning, I’d cross paths with others searching too. We’d share a smile, a nod, or a quick theory about where that medallion might be hiding. There was this unspoken camaraderie — everyone in it together, all hopeful, all chasing the same small thrill. And when a local family finally found it, the crowd cheered. You could feel that shared joy; knowing that they’d have this memory forever, that the hunt had brought people together in the best way.
Friday also gave me one of those little moments that mattered big to me; stopping by Shue’s Pond during the Learn 2 Fish event with the Terry Peterson Fishing Foundation and Fishing Has No Boundaries. In between taking photos, I found myself teaching a few young girls how to hold bluegills properly and even showing them some casting techniques. Watching their faces light up with each cast reminded me why passing on fishing knowledge is such an important part of what we do. It was a reminder that Musky Fest isn’t just about celebrating tradition, it’s about planting the seeds for the next generation of anglers.
And of course, the Dilly Bar and watermelon eating contest, always my favorite part of Musky Fest. There’s something so pure about watching kids and adults dive face-first into those sweet, sticky challenges. The laughter, the cheers, the mess. It captured the heart of summer, the fun, the tradition, and the joy that makes this festival what it is. This was where one of my favorite shots came from (the blog cover and pictured at the end) where it didn’t matter how intense the heat was, the streets were packed shoulder to shoulder with people rallying behind this weekend as a whole. It was a reminder that when a community comes together for something it loves, not even the extreme weather can hold them back.
Walking Beside the Queens: A Weekend Journey with Musky Royalty
The Musky Festival Queens program is one of those traditions that gives the weekend its deeper roots — a connection that spans generations. This year, I had the chance to follow their journey from start to finish, and it was nothing short of inspiring. It all began at The Social for a luncheon on Thursday, where the contestants (Macie, Alexis, Ariana, and Emma) sat down with the judges. There was a buzz of excitement and nerves, but you could already see the potential in each of them.
One of my best friends, Molly, stepped into her role as a committee member for the Musky Queen Scholarship Program, bringing her experience as former Buffalo, MN royalty. Alongside her was Hannah from Silver Star Market, National All-American Miss. Their expertise helped guide these young women, from stage presence to confidence. They weren’t just there to oversee; they truly cared about making this a memorable, positive experience for each contestant.
What stood out most was seeing these young women come alive throughout the weekend. One minute they were poised on stage in sashes and crowns, the next they were diving into the Dilly Bar and watermelon contests, faces sticky with ice cream, laughing and supporting one another. Emma even held Alexis’s hair back during the watermelon contest! It was fun, lighthearted, and showed so many sides of who they were beyond the stage.
By the time crowning took place, I didn’t envy the judges one bit. It had to have been a nearly impossible decision; each contestant brought something unique and special to the program. But in the end, Macie was crowned, and it was clear she embodied the spirit of the festival.
Former Musky Queens from previous generations also returned to Hayward for this milestone year. On Saturday, they were introduced to the festival crowd, and on Sunday, they gathered at the McCormick House for the Queen’s Tea. The room was filled with laughter, stories, and memories as past queens from every era connected with one another and encouraged the newest titleholders. Among them was Janyce Link, the 1958 Queen, who shared stories that bridged the decades and reminded everyone of just how much this tradition means.
Facing the Challenge, Finding My Strength
Friday brought the toughest challenge. The heat was relentless, and I pushed myself past my limits. By the time I reached the car show, I knew something was wrong. Minutes before the Queens Coronation, I was sick from the heat and genuinely wondered if I’d end up in the hospital. The drive home was a blur, and I was terrified that I was in a heat-induced stupor. Once I got home, I took a cold shower, my husband helped to keep cold towels on my neck and head, gave me some ibuprofen, and I tried to rest. Going to the hospital was a serious consideration, as I could not keep liquids or food down. I prayed. I asked God for strength, and by 4:30 in the morning, I started to feel more like myself. With a new game plan for Saturday—taking breaks, editing in the AC, staying hydrated, and wearing sunscreen—I showed up stronger than before.
Throughout the weekend, that nagging voice of imposter syndrome tried to creep in. I’ve been doing event photography for over a year now, and I know it’s where I thrive. I was chosen for a reason — my work in social media, photography, and storytelling. Still, I caught myself second-guessing, wondering if I was capturing things the right way.
But as the weekend unfolded, I was met with overwhelming support: text messages, phone calls, people stopping me on the street, and even other professionals in the field noticing the hard work and care I put into every detail. I was genuinely moved — there were moments I was brought to tears, just feeling the gratitude and the realization that this was a huge moment of growth for me. I was hired to do this job because I truly am good at what I do, and the results spoke for themselves.
In a matter of four days, the Musky Fest Instagram page grew from around 20 followers to 241, with a reach of 23,000 views. On Facebook, the engagement was even more astounding, with over 360,000 views and thousands of interactions and growing when I logged out. The metrics were undeniable — I knew what I was doing, and I was making a difference. My turnover time, the consistency, the way the community responded — it all showed me that I’m not only capable, but that I’m exactly where I need to be.
A Full Heart and a Grateful Soul
As I look back on this incredible weekend, my heart is full and my spirit is lifted. This has been about so much more than just showcasing Hayward and this event; it’s been about honoring a tradition that runs deep in our community, about telling the stories that matter, and about finding my own strength along the way. The support and love I’ve felt from this community have been overwhelming, and it’s shown me that the stories we tell and the connections we build truly matter.
Musky Fest has always been where summer begins and Hayward comes together — and this year reminded me why. It’s not about the fish, the parades, or the contests. It’s about the people. The ones who show up, year after year, no matter the heat, storms, or challenges. It’s about what unites us: a love for our waters, our traditions, and this place we’re so proud to call home.
This was never about recognition or accolades. I believe in the power of storytelling, and in celebrating everything that makes this town so wonderful. I’m honored to have played a part in sharing that story this year. As I look ahead to the rest of the summer, I’m excited to continue this journey. Next month, I’ll be capturing the excitement of the Lumberjack Championship, and I have several travel partnerships lined up that I can’t wait to share with you all. The stories continue — and I’m so grateful to have you along for the ride. – Sarah
You can view the whole album here: https://kozlowskicollc.pixieset.com/75thannualmuskyfestival/
