Welcome to today’s edition of the LOCAL 10, where we recap the unforgettable moments from Hastings' Party in the Park 2024. This annual event showcased the best of our community, from environmental champions to local entertainers. So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into the heartbeat of Hastings!

Friends of the Mississippi River: Our Wetland Warriors Keeping Hastings’ Mighty Waterway Flowing!

Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) is a dedicated non-profit organization committed to protecting, restoring, and enhancing the Mississippi River and its watershed within the Twin Cities region. Through a combination of conservation efforts, land use planning, water quality advocacy, and community education, FMR engages locals in preserving this vital natural resource. Whether it's organizing volunteer cleanups, advocating for sustainable policies, or restoring habitats, FMR's initiatives aim to ensure the river's health and accessibility for future generations. Join their mission to keep the mighty Mississippi vibrant and thriving! For more information, visit Friends of the Mississippi River.

River Valley Band: Bringing Harmonious Vibes to Hastings

The River Valley Band, a lively community concert band based in Hastings, Minnesota, has been striking the right chord since its inception. This ensemble of local musicians, brought together under the auspices of the Hastings Prescott Arts Council, practices weekly and performs throughout the year, offering a harmonious mix of music for all ages. From Pops Concerts to Christmas performances, their events are a staple in the local cultural calendar. The band's dedication to fostering musical talent and bringing joy to the community resonates through every note they play. Interested in joining or attending a concert? Reach out to Allen Saunders or Dan Retka to get involved in this melodic adventure.

YMCA Youth and Family Services: Building Stronger Families in Hastings!

The Hastings YMCA, nestled in the heart of Minnesota, is more than just a gym—it's a community hub for youth and families. Offering a plethora of programs like after-school care, swim lessons, and youth sports, the Y focuses on fostering development, promoting healthy living, and ensuring social responsibility. Whether you’re looking to dive into the pool, hit the gym, or join a family activity, the Hastings YMCA has something for everyone, making it the go-to spot for enriching family life in Hastings. For more details, visit YMCA Hastings.

Vermillion River Watershed: Guardians of Hastings' Hidden Gem

The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) is a dedicated steward of the Vermillion River in Hastings, Minnesota. With a mission to restore and protect natural resources, VRWJPO engages the community through education, science, and support initiatives. Their efforts range from water quality monitoring to habitat restoration, ensuring the river remains a vibrant habitat for wildlife and a recreational haven for residents. Get involved and explore the wonders of the Vermillion River with VRWJPO! For more details, visit Vermillion River Watershed.

Afton State Park: Nature's Playground in Hastings

Afton State Park, nestled along the scenic St. Croix River near Hastings, Minnesota, offers an escape into the great outdoors with its rolling prairies, wooded ravines, and dramatic river bluffs. This 1,600-acre gem invites visitors to hike, bird-watch, camp, and enjoy stunning vistas year-round. Whether you're tackling the rugged trails or simply soaking in the tranquil beauty, Afton State Park delivers a refreshing dose of nature’s splendor. It's the perfect spot for adventurers and nature lovers alike! For more details, visit Afton State Park.

Hastings Community Education: Cultivating Lifelong Learners in Our Backyard

Hastings Community Education is a vibrant hub for lifelong learning, offering a diverse range of programs and activities for all ages. From early childhood education and youth programs to adult enrichment classes and senior activities, this community-centric institution ensures that learning doesn’t stop at graduation. With a focus on personal growth, community engagement, and skill development, Hastings Community Education is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Dive into their enriching programs and see how they make education a community affair! For more details, visit Hastings Community Education.

The 437: Hastings' Slice of Heaven on Wheels

The 437 is the go-to mobile food haven in Hastings, Minnesota, combining delicious pizza by the slice from Carbone's Pizzeria with refreshing drinks and vibrant community vibes. You'll find The 437 at nearly every outdoor event in Hastings, from the bustling Jaycee Park craft fairs to the lively Rivertown Days. They even added fresh fruit cups to their menu, ensuring there's something for everyone. If you're looking for great food and a sense of community, The 437 has you covered. Follow them to catch the next event and enjoy a slice of Hastings life!

Hastings - MN Just For Kix: Where Young Dancers Shine Bright!

Hastings - MN Just For Kix offers an energetic and supportive environment for young dancers to learn and grow. With a focus on teamwork, technique, and confidence-building, their classes cover a variety of styles including kick, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, and more. Directed by Tori Ibinger, who brings years of experience and passion, the program ensures each dancer enjoys their journey while developing their skills. Dive into the world of dance and let your child shine with Just For Kix! For more details, visit Hastings - MN Just For Kix.

Ecuador Manta: Bringing Andean Beats to Hastings

Ecuador Manta, based in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a musical group that has been enchanting audiences with their vibrant Andean rhythms since 1994. Combining traditional sounds from Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Colombia with contemporary Latin and Caribbean influences, they create a unique musical experience that’s both captivating and dance-worthy. Recently, they brought their infectious energy to downtown Hastings for the Play in the Park event, mesmerizing the crowd with their skillful use of traditional instruments like the zampona, quena, and charango. If you missed them, be sure to catch their next performance and let the rhythms of the Andes move you! For more information, visit their Facebook page.

Funny! not ugly: Caricature Fun at Play in the Park

"Funny! not ugly," the dynamic caricature duo of Dian and Pete Wagner, recently delighted attendees at Play in the Park in downtown Hastings. Known for their fast, fun, and friendly cartoon caricatures, they capture the essence of individuals with humor and charm. Drawing up to 25 faces per hour, their art is about creating memorable experiences rather than detailed portraits. If you missed them, be sure to catch them at their next event for a dose of hilarious, artistic fun! For more details, visit Funny! not ugly.

Conclusion

As always, Hastings continues to be a town brimming with life, talent, and community spirit. From the river stewards and vibrant local bands to educational hubs and entertaining events, there’s never a dull moment in our corner of Minnesota. Keep exploring, participating, and supporting these fantastic initiatives that make Hastings a truly special place to live. Stay tuned for more exciting stories and updates in our next edition of the LOCAL 10!