What Hastings Is Talking About Today (FRONT PAGE Edition ▲ July 21, 2025)
Rivertown Days 2025. Image by HastingsNow.com/ashley
Have you ever noticed that Hastings can feel like a small town and a bustling city all at once? That’s why I love reporting on our LOCAL 10 — there’s always a neighbor waving, a new event to discover and a reason to smile. Pour yourself a coffee or iced tea, settle in and let’s chat about what’s buzzing around town today.
Local Buzz
Rivertown Days Wrap‑Up: Cookies, Community and Gratitude
The scent of cookies lingered in the air as Totally Baked wrapped up Rivertown Days 2025 with gratitude and an overflowing cookie jar. The bakery thanked everyone who stopped by to grab a sweet treat and shared a light‑hearted question: what was your favorite part of Rivertown Days? Events like this remind us that our festival is about more than carnival rides — it’s about the people who bake, volunteer and dance until sunset. CTA: If you missed the cookies, send a message and let Totally Baked know what you’d like to see next year.
👉 Link: Totally Baked
Comedy & Music Fill Levee Park
Hastings’ riverfront is never dull. The City of Hastings announced a week of fun at Levee Park, including Comedy in the Park on Tuesday and a Music + Market on Thursday. More than 25 craft vendors, food trucks and a kids’ zone will accompany a live performance by The Hot Toddies, promising swing‑to‑disco tunes. Whether you’re laughing at punchlines or swaying to music with a corn dog in hand, the Mississippi River backdrop makes it even sweeter.
👉 Link: City of Hastings
Little Log House Tractor & Truck Pull – This Weekend
Do you like your entertainment with horsepower and a dash of history? Little Log House Pioneer Village is hosting its annual Tractor & Truck Pull this Saturday. The event is part of the 34th Annual Little Log House Antique Power Show, and organizers promise roaring engines and nostalgic farm exhibits. Bring earplugs, grab a lemonade and enjoy seeing vintage tractors do what they were born to do. Kids and adults alike will find something to marvel at.
👉 Link: Little Log House Pioneer Village
Civic & School Updates
Principal Sullivan Says Farewell
In a heartfelt announcement, Mr. Sullivan revealed he will step down as principal of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School after 11 years of service. The news surprised many families who admire his dedication to students and staff. He expressed gratitude for the community’s support and encouraged parents to check their email for more information. A leader who helped shape countless children’s lives deserves an enthusiastic send‑off; expect more celebration of his tenure in coming weeks.
👉 Link: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School
Health & Wellness Corner
Summer Sale Helps Hastings Get Fit
Fitness deals rarely arrive with as much sunshine as Anytime Fitness Hastings’ summer sale. For $49, new members can join and enjoy gym access for the rest of summer. The locally owned gym offers 24/7 access, personal training options and even an infrared sauna (coming soon). “The sooner you join the better the deal,” the post cheerily reminded readers. If your picnic schedule has outweighed your workout routine, this might be the nudge you need.
👉 Link: Anytime Fitness Hastings
Caring for Senior Pets
Our furry friends deserve love at every age. Town & Country Veterinary Services highlighted subtle signs of arthritis in senior pets – difficulty getting up, limping, stiffness and irritability. The clinic reassured pet owners that arthritis isn’t just “old age” and that treatments can help keep pets comfortable and mobile. Booking a senior wellness check could make walks and tail wags happier again.
👉 Link: Town & Country Veterminary Services
Plastic‑Free July at Spiral Food Co‑op
Hastings shoppers are embracing sustainability. Spiral Food Co‑op encouraged patrons to use their own containers in the bulk department to reduce single‑use plastic waste. They carry everything from flour and dried fruits to over 150 spices and teas. The post offered tips like keeping mesh bags in your car and reminded followers that many bulk stores also refill cleaning supplies. Plastic‑Free July might end soon, but small habits can last all year.
👉 Link: Spiral Food Co-op
Hockey Day Minnesota 2026 Debut Matchups
Hastings hockey fans have big news to cheer. HYAA Youth Baseball and Softball (yes, they love hockey too) announced matchups for the 2026 Hockey Day Minnesota. The boys’ team will face East Ridge and the girls’ team will battle Park, marking the debut of all participating schools. Even more exciting: the Iowa Wild will play the Milwaukee Admirals on January 23, the first professional game ever at Hockey Day. High school games follow on January 24. Mark your calendars and find your warmest mittens.
👉 Link: HYAA Hastings MN
Tri County State Qualifier: Girls Take Second
Another HYAA update celebrated the 16/18U girls placing second at the Tri County State Qualifier. Their strong finish is a testament to hard work and teamwork. Congratulations to the athletes and coaches — your effort inspires younger players across Hastings. Keep an eye out for more tournament news as the season progresses.
👉 Link: HYAA Hastings MN
Community & Recovery
All Recovery Group Offers Safe Space
Recovery isn’t a one‑size‑fits‑all journey, and Rise Up Recovery MN is meeting people where they are. Their All Recovery Group meets every Friday and Saturday at 10 AM and welcomes anyone seeking connection and support. The group encourages participants to share experiences and learn from others in a nonjudgmental space. Recovery can feel isolating; this open group ensures no one faces it alone.
👉 Link: Rise Up MN
Signing Off – Support Your Local 10
Hastings is brimming with stories that make us proud, curious and connected. From tractor pulls and hockey announcements to sustainability tips and heartfelt farewells, our LOCAL 10 highlights the vibrancy of our community. Visit HastingsNow.com for the full LOCAL 10 story and more daily updates. If you spot a misstatement or have a hot tip, drop us a line at HastingsNow.com/contact—our newsroom loves neighborly notes!
