Silver Bay, Minnesota, has a rich history of coming together to celebrate its vibrant community.
1976: Back in 1976, residents joined hands for an unforgettable Bicentennial celebration. Fire hydrants were painted red, white, and blue, while members of the Bay Area Art Club put together a commemorative Bicentennial Cookbook. Community members dressed in festive patriotic outfits and my father, George Starkovich, even dressed up as Uncle Sam! With an outdoor street dance filling the shopping center parking lot, it created memories to last a lifetime.
Throughout the decades, celebrating Silver Bay has continued to bring neighbors together:
1980s: Back in the 1980s, the festivities continued. I personally remember dressing up in costumes to participate in the kiddie parades. We decorated our Radio Flyer wagons and bikes, and then gathered downtown for the annual kiddie parade. Winning a prize for the best “float” was the ultimate goal, but the real joy was seeing all the kids interact and play such a huge role in the Silver Bay Days celebrations.
The 1995 All-Class Reunion: Community involvement reached unprecedented heights. The town hosted a variety show called Reflections of Time featuring local fashions from 1959 through 1995, along with four nights of live music, karaoke, a beer tent, and special business promotions. To welcome alumni home, the town offered school tours, open hockey, open swimming, and sporting events for everyone. It truly was a trip down memory lane.
Bay Days: This beloved annual tradition offers family fun all weekend long with music and activities for all ages. It gives locals and returning alumni a chance to reminisce, visit old friends, and walk their old stomping grounds.
This year was exceptionally special as everyone celebrated two major milestones at once: Silver Bay’s 70th Birthday and the 250th Birthday of the United States!
While the festivities have evolved over time, one thing remains unchanged: COMMUNITY. Whether through hands-on volunteers, supportive local businesses, or dedicated residents, it takes a collective effort to make these events possible.
Over the years, dozens of people have worked tirelessly behind the scenes, including Laurie Lukken Kelley, Barbara Hron, Sandy Buckley, Robert Fisk, Ed Maki, Julie Mockler, Joanne Johnson, Marlis Runnberg, Carlene Perfetto, Mary Jane VanDenHeuval, Jackie Allar, Penny Starkovich, George Starkovich, Carol Youngberg, Barb Sterett, Carol Bakken, Pudgy Perfetto, Bernie Zupancich, Duane Northagen, Bob Oslund, Irene Johnson, Mike Guzzo, Maggie King, Bobbie Nelson, Karen Rautio, Betty Josephson, Dr. Clifford, George Pope, Jenn VanHouse, Faron Meeks, Jenny Bjerken, Angie Meeks, Cassandra Velcheff, Jessalyn Rowlee, Chris Belanger, Dave Talus, Jena Bautch, Brandi Berquist, Tracy Blood, Bryce Meeks, Morgan Meeks, Addison Velcheff, Madisyn VanHouse, Jon Nelson, Ben Bautch, Wade Leblanc, the City of Silver Bay, the Silver Bay Police Department, local area businesses, and countless others. As you can see, it takes a village to make these events happen and successful.
To check out all the winners of this year’s events, visit the Bay Days Facebook page.
Passing the Torch to the Next Generation
Several key members of the Bay Days crew began volunteering back in 2011 and 2012. After over 14 years of dedicated service, a few core organizers have decided that this year’s 70th Birthday celebration will be their final chapter.
Jenn VanHouse and Faron Meeks are stepping down from their leadership roles. Jenny Bjerken, along with some other members, may also be moving on. While there are currently no concrete plans set for next year, the outgoing team has picked a tentative date. They have plans to mentor incoming volunteers, just as the “old guard” guided them when they first started. Their ultimate hope is for a new crew to step up, keep the event family-friendly, and continue offering Bay Days free of charge.
Because several key committee members are stepping back, a new committee chairperson has not yet been named. To keep this wonderful tradition alive, new volunteers are urgently needed.
Why Volunteer? Outgoing crew members share their highlights:
- Being part of something bigger than yourself and showing love for your town.
- Organizing a full weekend of free family entertainment.
- Bringing tourism and excitement to local businesses and welcoming alumni back home.
- Watching an event grow and succeed through shared effort.
- Giving back to your community
“We live in a community where people wear many hats. Teamwork is key. The more people involved, the lighter the work is for everyone. Meetings throughout the year are manageable, but having ‘all hands on deck’ during the event weekend is what truly makes it a success.” ~ The Bay Days Committee.
Well done for all the years donated.
How You Can Get Involved
Planning happens throughout the year, but it isn’t a full-time job. If you enjoy planning parties, budgeting, advertising, or simply helping out over the weekend, there is a spot for you! Tasks range from large to small.
To volunteer or ask questions Email baydayscommittee@gmail.com or send a message on the Bay Days Facebook page.
Business sponsorships Reach out via email at baydayscommittee@gmail.com .
Mail-in donations:
Bay Days Celebration
PO Box 85
Silver Bay, MN 55614
Preserving Silver Bay’s local history is important. A special thank you goes to the Bay Area Historical Society, whose wonderful collection of Silver Bay artifacts served as a time capsule while researching this article. It is an honor to track our history and celebrate all those who have contributed so much to our community over the years! To continue in their efforts, if you have any memorabilia/artifacts you would like to share/donate to the Bay Area Historical Society, it can truly add to the time capsule of Silver Bay, MN. Please call the new number at 218-353-1415 to donate items.
