What Hastings Is Talking About Today (LATEST ▲ July 19, 2025)
AI image by Local Pigeon.
Hastings, summer breezes and Mississippi reflections! Your friendly neighbor here with a smile and a scoop — from River‑town days packed with artsy flair to our athletes making headlines, I’ve rounded up today’s most buzz‑worthy chatter just for you. Grab a lemonade, let’s dive in.
Rivertown Days Buzz
Arts & Crafts Fair & “Anything Goes” Preview
Rivertown Days takes over downtown this weekend, and Jaycee Park is buzzing with color. The Arts & Crafts Fair runs today and tomorrow with no admission fee, and visitors can browse dozens of artisans, grab a snack and enjoy Mississippi River views. Use promo code RTD2025 for $2 off each ticket to Black Dirt Theater’s production of “Anything Goes.” Cast members will perform a preview today at 11:30 a.m. on the Rotary Pavilion in Levee Park — no button required and a perfect taste of the show. Full performances open July 25 through Aug 2 at Hastings High School.
👉 Link: Black Dirt Theater & Arts Fair
First‑Ever Disc Golf Tournament
Disc‑golf enthusiasts rejoice! Rivertown Days launched its inaugural Disc Golf Tournament and it’s officially underway. Players are competing for bragging rights and prizes while families cheer them on under sunny skies. Organizers hope the event becomes a yearly tradition, and early feedback suggests it’s a hole‑in‑one idea. Bring your throws and maybe a mulligan or two; the community spirit makes every toss worth celebrating.
👉 Link: Rivertown Days Disc Golf Tournament
Level Up Store Access Reminder
Gamers heading to Level Up on 2nd Street during Rivertown Days should note the special access rules. Today from 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. the shop can only be entered by patrons who have paid Rivertown Days admission; store hours are restricted Friday 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. and Saturday 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. The store posts these reminders so customers know to check the map for festival entrances. No worries — once you’re inside, the retro games and friendly staff will make any button press worthwhile.
👉 Link: Level Up Rivertown Days Reminder
Sports Highlights
Swim Team Regional Championships
The Hastings Area Swim Team made waves at the Minnesota Regional Championships in New Hope. Despite overcast skies, athletes recorded personal bests in several events, including the 400 m individual medley and 100 m freestyle. Stand‑outs Josey Larson, Oscar Green, Sam Green and Will Mann qualified for the state meet by winning their events or hitting CHAMP times. Proud parents cheered as swimmers shaved seconds off their times — a testament to summer training and team camaraderie.
👉 Link: HAST at Regionals
Hawks Baseball Triumphs During Rivertown Days
The Hastings Hawks delivered a commanding 16‑0 victory over Rochester during Rivertown Days — finishing the game in seven innings and sparking playful calls for the team to only play during the festival. The bats were hot and the defense flawless, making this blowout a feel‑good story for local baseball fans. Keep the momentum going, boys — there’s something magical in the Rivertown air!
👉 Link: Hastings Hawks rout Rochester
Hockey Day Minnesota 2026 Matchups Announced
Hockey fans, mark your calendars! During the Rivertown Days festivities, organizers unveiled matchups for Hockey Day Minnesota 2026. Hastings boys hockey will face East Ridge, while the girls take on Park Wolfpack. The schedule also includes Saint Thomas Academy vs. Rock Ridge and even a professional game featuring the Iowa Wild vs. Milwaukee Admirals. All participating schools will make their HDM debut, with high‑school games set for January 24, 2026. Ticket links are already live, and excitement is skating toward the future.
👉 Link: HDM 2026 Matchups
Community & Civic Updates
American Red Cross Blood Drive at Hastings Arts Center
The American Red Cross is hosting a blood drive at the Hastings Arts Center today. Organizers note there are still appointment slots available and encourage donors to stop by before 3 p.m. The need for blood doesn’t take a vacation, and a donation could save a neighbor’s life. Bring a friend, grab a cookie after you donate, and know you’re making a difference.
👉 Link: Blood Drive Details
Animal Ark Celebrates Adoption Day and Rivertown Booth
Meet Smokey and Flare — two kittens who lost their home in a house fire and found refuge at Animal Ark. Both were adopted this week, and the shelter celebrated the happy ending on social media. Animal Ark will also be at Rivertown Days with a booth offering a spin‑the‑wheel game, merchandise and information about their no‑kill mission. If you’re considering a furry addition to your family, check out adoptable pets at their website.
👉 Link: Animal Ark Adoption Day
Food Drive Delivers 57 Pounds to Hastings Family Service
Community generosity shines once again. Dakota County Court South organized a food drive and delivered 57 pounds of food to Hastings Family Service. Volunteers Terri and Amy transported the donation and received heartfelt thanks from the nonprofit. Contributions like this keep the food shelf stocked and ensure families across Hastings don’t go hungry.
👉 Link: Food Drive Donation
Beyond Rivertown
Little Log House Antique Power Show Returns
Just one week from today the Little Log House Antique Power Show opens for its 34th year, and it’s the only weekend of the year that the recreated pioneer village welcomes the public. This beloved event, held July 25–27, features award‑winning flower gardens, vintage tractor and military parades, live music, a large flea market, reenactments, classic vehicles, children’s barnyard, rides and even a replica of the old Hastings Spiral Bridge. With more than 45 historic buildings to explore, it’s a nostalgia trip and family outing rolled into one.
👉 Link: Little Log House Power Show
Conclusion
Hastings, you never cease to amaze — from creative crafts and disc‑golf debuts to championships on ice and in the pool, our town buzzes with activity and heart. Remember to scroll through the LOCAL 10 feed on HastingsNow.com for real‑time updates, and stay tuned for more joyful stories. If you spot a misstatement or have a hot tip, drop us a line at HastingsNow.com/contact — our newsroom loves neighborly notes!
