Tucked away among the vast forests of pine trees in Wisconsin is a quaint town known as Hayward, over 600 miles north of Kansas City. At least once a year I find myself in this town of a little over 2,000 people where my cousins and grandparents live. There are no strangers in a town of this size and the residents know their neighbors. Unlike the suburbs of Kansas City, those in Hayward can browse the aisles of their grocery store recognizing the shoppers beside them as well as the employees who bag their goods. Over Thanksgiving, I realized how much I value the sense of community small towns like Hayward have.

Every year on the day following Thanksgiving, Hayward hosts a lighting ceremony on Main Street called the “‘Lure’ of Lights” where local storefronts are lit up with bright, multicolored decorations. The whole town crowded the street this year for the ceremonial lighting and annual parade. Children smiled and cheered as Mr. and Mrs. Claus came down the street on a massive float. After the parade, people were welcomed to seek warmth inside the old-time candy store named Tremblay’s Sweet Shop. I was entranced by the reindeer there to offer sleigh rides. The lights, snow and quaint shops filled me with warmth. The sight was straight out of a holiday movie on the Hallmark Channel.

Although Christmas in Hayward is magical, the summer is just as enticing. The crystal-clear lakes attract plenty of tourists, which really brings Main Street to life. Hayward hosts the Lumberjack World Championship every July, a county fair and a musky festival. Hayward is known for being the home of world record muskies. When I picture the town, I see the world’s largest fish statue or the four story tall centerpiece of Hayward. It is a roadside attraction I am fascinated by and every resident of Hayward takes pride in the statue.

I never run out of things to do in Hayward, despite its size. There is kayaking, fishing, Wilderness Walk Zoo, beaches, parks and an amusement center. In the summer months, I could spend an eternity basking under the sun on the shore of Round Lake and endlessly browse Lee’s Trees farm in the winter for the perfect Christmas tree. Every season in Hayward has something unique to offer.

In the past, I had strongly believed I wanted to raise my family and live in a big city like New York, Chicago or Los Angeles. I thought I would enjoy not knowing everyone I see. However, every time I get the chance to visit Hayward and see how supportive residents are towards each other, I am reminded of just how much I love small-town hospitality. I have never felt more at home anywhere else.