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Moosefest brings four days of family fun to Karlstad

Julie Bergman
julie@wiktel.com

Karlstad is gearing up for its annual Moosefest celebration, with four days of activities planned from Thursday, Aug. 6, through Sunday, Aug. 9, drawing families, veterans, golfers, and music fans from around the region for the town’s signature summer festival.

Organizers say residents who want to add an event to the schedule can still reach out to the city at karlstadcity@wiktel.com.

Festivities kick off Thursday evening with a Community and Family Picnic at the Legion from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by a Kids’ Quarter Scramble at the Legion at 6 p.m.

Friday’s lineup opens with a 4-Person Golf Scramble at 9 a.m. and a Veteran Fundraiser at the Legion running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. That evening, the Fire Hall becomes the hub of activity with a Feed & Fun event from 5 to 7 p.m., a Pedal Pull at 5 p.m., a Power Wheels Demo at 7 p.m., and a burnout immediately following. The Eagles will close out the night with live music from Bad Campers starting at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 8, is Moosefest’s biggest day, anchored by city-wide garage sales — with lists available at Karlstad Korner and Super Market Foods — and a full slate of events at Moose Park and around town. The day begins with the Tater Trot Color Run at the car wash at 8 a.m., followed by vendors along off-Main Street starting at 10 a.m. Bouncy houses open at Moose Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with face painting offered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again from 2 to 3 p.m. The Post 445 Auxiliary hosts a lunch at the Community Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., while a car show takes over Moose Park from noon to 1 p.m.

Organizers are flagging one important change: the parade, long a Moosefest highlight, has moved to 1 p.m. this year.

The afternoon stays busy with mud and sand volleyball at Moose Park at 2 p.m., bingo hosted by the Post 445 Auxiliary at the Community Center at 2 p.m., a kids’ open stage at Moose Park from 2 to 3 p.m., and a petting zoo from 2 to 4 p.m. Family and partner races start at 3 p.m., a cornhole tournament runs at the Eagles at 3 p.m., and a foam party splashes down at Moose Park from 3 to 4 p.m. Live music fills Moose Park from 3 to 7 p.m., before the party moves back to the Eagles for a 9 p.m. show from Sarah Kelly and Company Gunnz.

Moosefest wraps up Sunday with a worship service at Pavilion Hall hosted by Resurrection Community Church, followed by kickball and lunch at Moose Park at 1 p.m.

Hungry festival-goers won’t go without: food and treats throughout the weekend come courtesy of Maggie’s, Bjerke Concessions, Top Hawg, Mi Madre’s Tacos, New Flavors, Wok’n Roll, Vonnie’s Kitchen, Little Bitty Donuts, and Snowie of Warren, which will serve shaved ice and fresh-squeezed lemonade. Karlstad Korner, the Eagles, the Legion, and Super Market Foods round out the weekend’s food offerings.

Long Live the Dream

The stage at the Middle River Legacy Center came alive on Saturday, August 1, as family members, friends, and community supporters gathered for one of the community's favorite traditions—the Miss Middle River Pageant. More than a competition, the evening celebrated the character, talents, and servant hearts of local young women while looking ahead to the future of the Miss Minnesota organization.

With this year's theme, "Long Live the Dream," the event honored the rich legacy of the Miss Middle River program while encouraging a new generation of young women to dream boldly, serve faithfully, and lead with confidence.

The evening also marked a bittersweet moment as Miss Middle River 2025, Graceyn Kvasager, took her final walk across the stage before passing the crown to her successor. Her year of service reflected the values the organization strives to instill—leadership, community involvement, and personal growth.

Four outstanding contestants took the stage, each bringing unique talents and meaningful social impact initiatives that reflected issues close to their hearts.

Kailey Hanson, daughter of Jordan and Ashley Hanson, captivated the audience with a beautiful vocal performance. Her Social Impact Initiative, “A Lifetime of Worth”, focuses on honoring, supporting, and celebrating older adults while recognizing the invaluable role they continue to play within their families and communities.

Gabrielle Crandall, daughter of Heather Crandall and Larry Hoaglund, and James and Stacey Crandall, shared a heartfelt performance inspired by her own story. Through her initiative, “You're Not Broken, You're Unfinished”, she encourages others to discover hope within themselves while promoting mental health awareness and reminding people that healing is a journey.

Daizy Joella Ann Hanson, daughter of Justin and Nikki Hanson, showcased an original dance choreographed entirely by herself. Her Social Impact Initiative centers on mental health, emphasizing the importance of caring for one's emotional well-being just as intentionally as physical health.

Olivia Crummy, daughter of Janeen Kleinwachter and Thomas Crummy, delivered a thoughtful monologue about self-worth, confidence, and embracing individuality. Her initiative, “Connecting Generations”, encourages meaningful relationships between young people and senior citizens, helping reduce loneliness while preserving the stories, wisdom, and experiences that older generations have to share.

Each contestant demonstrated poise, confidence, and a sincere desire to make a positive difference—qualities that have long been the hallmark of the Miss America and Miss Minnesota organizations. Today's pageants place a strong emphasis on scholarship, leadership, community service, communication skills, and personal development, providing young women with opportunities that extend far beyond the stage.

By sharing their talents and speaking passionately about causes they care about, contestants become advocates within their communities while developing skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. The Miss Minnesota organization continues to empower young women to serve as leaders, role models, and ambassadors for positive change.

At the conclusion of the evening, Daizy Joella Ann Hanson was crowned Miss Middle River 2026, earning the opportunity to represent the community throughout the coming year. As the new titleholder, she will serve as an ambassador for Middle River while continuing to promote her platform focused on mental health awareness.

While only one contestant receives the crown, every participant leaves the stage having gained valuable experience, lasting friendships, and increased confidence. Their willingness to step outside their comfort zones and share their talents serves as an inspiration to younger girls who may one day follow in their footsteps.

The Miss Middle River Pageant continues to be a shining example of what makes small-town communities special—a place where neighbors gather to encourage one another, celebrate local youth, and invest in the next generation of leaders.

As one queen concluded her reign and another began her journey, the evening served as a reminder that while crowns may change hands, the dream of service, leadership, and community continues to live on.