The 75th Annual Musky Festival Grand Marshal is
Lynn Melton of Lynn’s Custom Meats & Catering!

 

The Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Lynn Melton of Lynn’s Custom Meats and Catering has been selected as the Grand Marshal for the 75th Musky Festival.

“Lynn is such a special person and embodies everything that we are so honored to recognize in a Musky Fest Grand Marshal. How grateful and better off our community is due to Lynn’s tireless efforts, dedication, and generosity.” – Chris Ruckdaschel, Executive Director, Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce

Expressing her gratitude for this honor, Lynn shared, “I am humbled and honored to be nominated to be the Grand Marshal of the 75th Musky Festival Parade.”

Born in Elgin, Illinois, Lynn moved to Hayward at the age of five with her family. She graduated from Hayward High School and later earned an Accounting Associate degree from WITC in Rice Lake. Her professional journey led her to Marketplace Foods, where she worked as a Deli Manager and discovered a passion for catering and food sales.

With encouragement from her family and friends, Lynn launched Lynn’s Custom Meats in 2008. In 2010, she expanded her business by purchasing the former Cruz Inn building on Highway 63, transforming it into the thriving storefront we know today.

Always looking for ways to give back, Lynn introduced Lynn’s Emergency Brat Mobile in 2023, converting a former emergency fire truck into a modern space for local organizations to host fundraising cookouts in her store’s parking lot.

Lynn’s contributions to Hayward extend far beyond her business. She has played a key role in supporting major events, supplying food and materials needed to make them successful—including the American Birkebeiner, Oktoberfest, Musky Fest, Fall Fest, Summer Jam, Hayward High School Youth events, and countless nonprofit organizations.

Her spirit of generosity was on full display during last December’s Light Your Engines Parade, where she and her team donated over 200 free brats and hotdogs for a Christmas for Kids fundraiser.

Her impact touches nearly every corner of the community, supporting groups such as the Hayward Lions Club, Hayward Veterans Center, Senior Resource Center, Hayward Hockey Club, National Guard, Rice Lake Schools and Youth Hockey, SCOPE, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, ATV Club, and local Snowmobile Clubs—and so many more.

Lynn has been described as one of the most dedicated, generous, and uplifting figures in Hayward, always willing to lend a hand. Whether she’s volunteering, organizing fundraisers, or showing up with boundless encouragement, she brings people together with her energy and unwavering commitment.

Her nomination reflected deep admiration from those who know her best:

• “Lynn always goes above and beyond with donations to the community, hosting cookouts from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends. She is an asset to this community.”
• “If I called her and said I had a flat tire and needed help, she would drop whatever she was doing to come help me.”
• “She is an inspiring leader and entrepreneur who has shown selfless service on numerous occasions.”
• “Lynn truly represents the spirit of Musky Fest—I can’t think of anyone more deserving of the honor.”

This year marks 15 years since Lynn opened Lynn’s Custom Meats & Catering at its current location, and her contributions to Hayward have only grown. Her commitment to supporting nonprofit organizations, providing fundraising spaces and materials, and donating weekly meat raffle prizes makes her a pillar of generosity in the community.

In recognition of her impact, Lynn was previously named Veterans Community Center Woman of the Year, a well-earned honor celebrating her dedication.

As a former Chamber Board Member, Lynn is thrilled to serve as Grand Marshal for the 75th Musky Festival Parade, embracing this opportunity to celebrate Hayward’s legacy and vibrant community spirit.

Please join us in celebrating Lynn Melton, a true champion of Hayward’s heart and traditions.

The Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to honor Lynn during the Musky Fest Grand Parade on Sunday, June 22 at 1 pm. We hope to see everyone there!