What Hastings Is Talking About Today (Front Page Edition ▲ July 24, 2025)
It’s a fun-filled foam party taking place during the Rec + Art + Police event at Roadside Park in Hastings, Minnesota. Image by HastingsNow.com/ashley
Good morning, Hastings! 🌞 Your friendly neighbor from HastingsNow.com here. Grab a cup of coffee and come stroll with me through today’s local buzz. From record‑setting swims and hometown heroes to celebrity style, tasty bites and community updates, there’s plenty to smile about!
Swim & Skate Highlights
HAST Swimmers Shine at 10 & Under State Championships
The Hastings Area Swim Team (HAST) kicked off the 10 & Under Minnesota Long Course State Championships with an impressive Day 1 haul. Perkins’ breakfast fueled their morning, and the energy paid off when nine‑year‑old Annette Sahli captured first place in the 50 m breaststroke. Relay teams and individual swimmers piled on points in the freestyle and backstroke events, and the roster of state qualifiers reads like a who’s‑who of future aquatics stars. It’s wonderful to see our young swimmers representing Hastings with heart and hustle. Keep an eye out for more results as the championships continue!
👉 Link: Hastings Area Swim Team (HAST)
River Blades Take on the ISI World Championships
Our friends at River Blades Skating School are lacing up for the ISI World Recreational Team Championships in Blaine, Minnesota (July 24–27). The school will proudly represent the Hastings Civic Arena against athletes from across the country and around the globe. Coaches encouraged skaters to “skate with heart, have fun and make this your most unforgettable performance yet”—words we can all live by. Let’s wish these talented youngsters the best of luck as they take the ice at the largest annual recreational competition in the nation. Go River Blades!
👉 Link: River Blades Skating School
Retail & Foodie Buzz
Adrien Brody Makes a Statement in Local Sunglasses
Oscar‑winning actor Adrien Brody turned heads recently by wearing Barton Perreira’s “The Tucker” sunglasses, and local shop River Town Eye Care couldn’t contain their excitement. Their social post proudly proclaimed “SPOTTED: Adrien Brody wearing The Tucker #InMyBPs”. It’s not every day that a Hollywood star shines a light on styles you can pick up right here in Hastings. If you’re looking to elevate your summer look, stop by and try on a pair—maybe you’ll feel a bit like an A‑lister, too.
👉 Link: Rivertown Eye Care
Live Sales Return for My Current Obsessions Co.
Crystals, minerals and candles, oh my! The team at My Current Obsessions Co. is considering bringing back their popular live sales and wants your input. They used to host these virtual shopping events before moving to their Westview Center location. Now they’re ready to return but need to know which platform you prefer—TikTok, Facebook Live or Instagram Live. Cast your vote in the comments, share with friends and help our home‑grown shop reach even more people. If all goes well, live sales could be back as soon as August. Let’s support local entrepreneurs who sparkle!
👉 Link: My Current Obsessions Co.
A Sandwich Worth Posting
Local foodies, take note! Hastings’ Lock and Dam Eatery teased a new sandwich combination that they promise is “soooo good,” even if their photo doesn’t do it justice While details were scarce, the post has us daydreaming about layers of savory goodness—perfect for a riverside picnic or a casual lunch downtown. Why not swing by and see what all the fuss is about? Remember to snap your own photo and tag us so we can see if it lives up to the hype.
👉 Link: Lock and Dam Eatery
Weddings & Local Celebrations
The Wexford Wins “Best New Wedding Business”
Emerald Greens’ show‑stopping event space just scored Minnesota Bride’s “Best New Wedding Business” award—cue the confetti cannons! 🎉 “We did it! The Wexford has been voted the Best New Business! We’re honored to share this recognition with our incredible couples, vendors, and the entire Emerald Greens team,” the venue gushed on social. Couples already love the soaring windows and on‑site golf‑course photo‑ops; now there’s award hardware to prove it. Ready to tour? Summer weekends are filling fast—book a peek pronto.
👉 Link: Wexford at Emerald Greens
Arts & Heritage Highlights
Dancers Crush a Contemporary Combo
At a recent rehearsal, local dancers stretched their skills with a new contemporary combination taught by choreographer Erik Barker. According to their studio’s post, the students “challenged themselves with a new contemporary combo and crushed it”. The session ended with smiles, sweat and a hearty thank‑you to Erik for sharing his passion. It’s inspiring to watch Hastings’ arts community support one another and continually raise the bar. Bravo to these dancers—keep gliding, leaping and learning!
👉 Link: Jan's School of Dance
Little Log House Pioneer Village: A Hidden Gem
If you’re looking for a weekend adventure, head to the Little Log House Pioneer Village for their annual Antique Power Show. The post calls the attraction one of Minnesota’s hidden gems and notes the show runs 8 a.m.–5 p.m. this weekend (July 24–27). Located at 21889 Michael Avenue, the event features vintage machinery, living‑history exhibits and delicious treats—Froth & Cork will be on site serving coffee, and 32‑ounce drink buckets will keep you cool. Bring the family, explore the village and learn about our region’s heritage. Fun fact: the village hosts a different collection of historic buildings each year, so there’s always something new to discover.
👉 Link: Shared by Froth & Cork
Community Updates
What’s the New Addition at the Antique Power Show?
Speaking of the Little Log House Pioneer Village, organizers have hinted at a surprise addition debuting at the 34th Annual Antique Power Show (July 25–27). Their teaser post asks, “Any guesses on what the newest addition is?”. Long‑time attendees know the village loves to unveil restored buildings or rare artifacts each year. We’ll have to attend to find out—feel free to share your guesses! It’s another reason to gather the family and celebrate local history. See you there!
👉 Link: Little Log House Pioneer Village
Hastings City Update: National Night Out, Honorees & More
The City of Hastings just published its latest City Update newsletter, and it’s packed with news you can use. Highlights include National Night Out activities, recognition of two city employees for their years of service, updates on wastewater planning, the latest Hockey Day Minnesota matchups, and a rundown of upcoming riverfront events. The city encourages residents to check out the newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates. Staying informed helps us all feel connected and ready to participate. Let’s show up for our community!
👉 Link: City of Hastings
Conclusion
There you have it—ten of the freshest and most unique stories lighting up Hastings’ front page today. From young swimmers making waves and skaters chasing world titles to celebrity fashion, delicious bites and important civic updates, our town is bursting with energy. For the full LOCAL 10 rundown and even more happenings, visit HastingsNow.com.
If you spot a misstatement or have a hot tip, drop us a line at HastingsNow.com/contact —our newsroom loves neighborly notes! Together we can keep our community informed, inspired and smiling.