The 74th annual Hayward Musky Festival held June 21-23 “was another wonderful community event,” according to Brianna McKenzie, assistant director for the Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce.
The weather was cool and cloudy on Friday and Saturday and sunny and warm for Sunday’s parade, drawing throngs of people downtown all three days.
“The weekend festivities were successful and it was so great to see people out and about and enjoying the downtown area and creating lasting family memories,” McKenzie said.
“Festival-goers and families were happy to be able to enjoy art and craft vendors, our wonderful food booths, great live music performances, the carnival, and all the other fun weekend activities. “The weather was perfect for the Musky Fest run-walk events on Sunday with record participation.
“The Grand Parade closed out the weekend with over 75 entries. As always, Marty’s Goldenaires was a delightful ending to this year’s community celebration,” McKenzie added.
She gave “a huge thank you to all of our sponsors that help make this event a success for our community, especially our presenting sponsor Adventure RV and Powersports of Hayward.
“We also couldn’t hold this event without all of those that volunteered their time over the weekend and I am so grateful for each and every one of them that showed up,” McKenzie added. “We are very pleased with how everything went and can’t wait to be back next year for the 75th annual Musky Fest. Mark your calendars for June 20-22, 2025.”
Festival results
Abby Stone was crowned the 2024 Hayward Musky Festival Scholarship Program queen during a program Friday evening at the Park Center.
Dezirae Kortendick was third runner-up; Audrey Boss second runner-up and Lainey Horsman was first runner-up.
The younger royalty were chosen by random drawing on Friday. They are: Mini Musky Queen, Anna Zemaitis; Little Miss Musky Queen, Izzy Bowen; Junior Musky Queen, Jasmyne Clayton.
The royalty rode on a redesigned float in Sunday’s parade, thanks to Silver Star Market. Hayward Dairy Queen was the queen’s scholarship program presenting sponsor.
There were 386 registrants for Sunday’s 5K and 10K run-walks, plus 100 kids for the Minnow Run. A results summary is in the sports section of this edition of the Record.
The run-walk presenting sponsor was Tamarack Health Hayward Medical Center the medal sponsor was Culinary Hill, and the raffle Sponsor was New Moon Ski & Bike
Friday’s car show was sponsored and hosted by Don Johnson’s Hayward Motors: The show had had 25 vehicles despite a weather forecast for possible rain, and served 350 hot dogs and 115 bags of popcorn to show visitors.
Show winners were: Best convertible, Denny Peterson of Hayward, a 2017 Chevrolet Camaro SS; Best Muscle Car, a 969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Super Cobra, shown by Allen Suzan of Ojibwa; Best Truck, a 1954 Ford F100 shown by Bob Patko of Stone Lake; Don Johnson’s Team Choice, a 1956 Plymouth Plaza shown by John McCue of Hayward)
Sixteen teams participated in Saturday’s Cornhole Tournament, which was presented by Ignite Dispensary of Hayward. The winning teams were: First, Ron Krienke and Eric Schuelke; second, Jesse Beckermann and Jim Yoder; third, Melissa and Tom Jordan.
Chalk Art at Musky Fest was presented by Deerfoot Lodge & Resort. The Family Chalk Art area was sponsored by Tamarack Health Hayward Medical Center.
Face painting and balloon art was sponsored by Frandsen Bank & Trust. The Babe Winkelman Meet and Greet was sponsored by Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau.
McKenzie reported that the carnival held in the St. Joseph vacant lot on Fifth Street was very busy and successful Thursday through Sunday.
In Sunday’s parade, Puppy Love Pet Styling received the Best Float honor.
Results of the Musky Fest Fishing Contest, Musky Fest Run, and Sawyer County Wood Chop are published in the sports section of this week’s Record.
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