Editor’s note:
Each month, The Munising Beacon and the Roam Community Foundation honor a local resident whose dedication and quiet leadership make Alger County a stronger, more connected place to live. This month’s Roam for Good Award celebrates festival and event organizers, whose efforts in creating vibrant and memorable community experiences foster connection and joy for our locals and visitors alike.
By Ana-Marija Dolaskie
Roam Community Foundation
In the heart of Munising, where tradition and community spirit intertwine, Sean Hayes Sr. stands as a pillar of dedication, steering the town’s cherished Fourth of July celebration as president of the board since 2021.
It’s his commitment to our town’s beloved holiday for more than two decades that has helped transform it into a lively, family- focused gathering. From orchestrating logistics to rallying volunteers, Sean’s business-savvy approach and unwavering passion ensure that the event not only survives — but thrives, embodying the essence of community pride and togetherness.
Sean’s journey with the event began more than 20 years prior to stepping into the leadership role, as a volunteer with setup and teardown. At the time, Sean was fully committed to his career in IT and telecom infrastructure, but he attended committee meetings when time allowed. His role evolved organically, albeit surprisingly, when committee members voted him in as the next board president, taking over for Joe Paquette, affectionately known to the community as Mr. Fourth of July.
“It’s a tradition that’s been in Munising for a very, very long time,” Hayes said. “The Fourth of July has a whole new meaning to me now.”
Hayes has since been driven by a sense of duty to build on the legacy of his predecessor, who laid the groundwork for Munising’s vibrant holiday scene. And Mr. Fourth of July says we’re lucky for it.
“Sean has been excellent in everything he’s done,” said Paquette, who held the chairperson position for more than four decades. “If you can’t get along with Sean, it’s your fault.”
Under Sean’s leadership, the celebration has grown even smoother and more inclusive, with a focus on engaging families and fostering volunteer participation. This year more than ever, Hayes explains the event was about bringing families together and focusing on entertainment for the children, even if that meant allocating more of the budget on kid-friendly activities.
“If the kids are having fun, parents are more relaxed,” Hayes said. “They’ll come down, they’ll buy food and then everything flows from there.”
T.J. Lassila, a recently appointed vendor coordinator for the Fourth of July committee, says Sean’s approach is rooted in collaboration and openness to new ideas from members of the committee.
“Sean embraces the art of brainstorming and truly makes you feel like you have a sense of contribution,” Lassila said. “He has a way of identifying your strengths and encouraging you to take on tasks you may otherwise not have thought were in your wheelhouse.”
Sean’s ability to delegate tasks effectively hasn’t always been easy, he adds, joking that his family has encouraged him to lean on the strength of his team.
But his dedication to improvement has certainly been a cornerstone of the event’s success, particularly with his family’s involvement. He credits his daughter, Abbie, for taking charge of the event’s digital presence, revitalizing its outreach.
“She’s obviously very, very involved and she really runs that world,” he said, praising her for managing social media and marketing efforts that have boosted the event’s visibility. He praises his son, Cody, who helps streamline setup and teardown processes.
It’s that willingness to share responsibilities and lean on others that has built a reliable core team, including family and friends who form a “float pool” to fill gaps when volunteers are scarce.
“The volunteer piece is huge,” Hayes said. “If we don’t have volunteers on the second, the third, obviously the Fourth, and just as important on the fifth to get everything out of the park, it becomes very, very difficult.”
Sean’s leadership shines in his readiness to credit others for their contributions, never claiming the spotlight for himself.
“I’m not one for awards,” he said. “I never have been. I kind of shy away from all that. Proof is in the pudding.”
His focus on results over recognition hasn’t gone unnoticed. Cori-Ann Cearley, executive director of the Munising Visitors Bureau — a longtime supporter of the Fourth of July events — said that in her years of working with Sean, one thing stands out: his thorough and selfless approach to event planning.
“It takes a really special person who’s willing to say, ‘I’m going to run around like a chicken with its head cut off to ensure everyone else has a good time,’” Cearley said. “I just think that is a very selfless and dedicated person who’s doing these great things for our community and deserves to be appreciated.”
As Munising’s Fourth of July celebration continues to grow, it’s clear that the heart behind it beats strong — thanks to steady, behindthe- scenes leadership and a crew of dedicated volunteers who show up year after year. Sean Hayes Sr. may not seek the spotlight, but his ability to rally others, adapt and keep tradition alive speaks volumes.
In a town where community means everything, Hayes reminds us what’s possible when passion meets purpose — and when one person’s quiet commitment helps hundreds make memories that last.
Know someone who’s quietly making big things happen? Each month, The Munising Beacon and Roam Community Foundation recognize everyday change makers whose dedication keeps our local traditions alive and thriving.
Next month, we’ll be honoring a community member working to fight food insecurity and support local meal programs. Got someone in mind? We’d love to hear from you. Reach out at munisingbeacon@ gmail.com — and stay tuned for the next Roam for Good Award.
