07/19/2026
â¨A Hiawatha Reflection from Daystar Creationsâ¨
As I pack up after another Hiawatha Music Festival, my heart is full and my soul replenished.
This weekend didnât end the way any of us imagined. The Canadian wildfire smoke created dangerous air quality, forcing the incredibly difficult decision to cancel much of the festival. It was a situation beyond anyoneâs control, and I have nothing but respect and compassion for the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, musicians, vendors, and everyone who carried the weight of making those impossible decisions. Their responsibility was the safety of an entire community.
Life isnât defined by the challenges we face, but by how we choose to respond to them.
We all had a choice this weekend. We could dwell on what was lost, or we could embrace what was still here.
I chose to look for the light.
Even without the music, Hiawatha remained what it has always been at its heart - a gathering of kind, resilient people. I spent the weekend sharing stories, meeting incredible new faces, reconnecting with loyal customers, welcoming first-time supporters, and making friendships that I know will last far beyond this festival. đ
One of the greatest gifts of this weekend was seeing how contagious positivity can be. So many people stopped by my booth and shared that they appreciated the energy, optimism, and perspective I chose to bring. Those conversations reminded me that light has a way of finding people when they need it most.
For a small business built on creating meaningful, one of a kind pieces, I couldnât have asked for a more rewarding weekend. Your support, encouragement, and belief in my work filled my cup in ways that extend far beyond sales.
Thank you to every person who visited Daystar Creations, every conversation shared, every hug, every laugh, and every piece that found its new home. You reminded me why I love doing what I do.
My hope is that, as this weekend settles in all of our hearts, we remember to extend grace to one another. Itâs okay to feel disappointed. Itâs okay to have different opinions. But compassion costs us nothing, and kindness is something we can always choose.
The smoke may have silenced the music, but it couldnât diminish the spirit of Hiawatha. âď¸
Hereâs to clearer skies, lessons learned, and returning next year with grateful hearts and an even stronger community.
With love and light,
Sarah Sobczak
Daystar Creations
