Hastings Middle School students bring holiday spirit to the stage in Elf the Musical Jr. The production returns Friday, November 6, at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium. Admission is free, with donations accepted to support future productions. All student audience members must be accompanied by an adult. Image by HastingsNow.
Pumpkin collection, a holiday-assistance deadline and Friday football lead ten useful updates for Hastings residents.
Friday, November 6, 2026 • 10 a.m. Central • By the HastingsNow team
Weather and On This Date
Mostly sunny skies and a high near 43°F are expected in Hastings on Friday, with light northwest winds. Friday night turns mostly cloudy with a low around 32°F; find the companion forecast and history notes in Weather + On This Date.
Weather + On This Date by HastingsNow.com
It’s Friday, November 6, and a few dates are worth keeping close: pumpkin collection this weekend, a holiday-help deadline later this month and a 6 p.m. football game at Todd Field tonight.
Today’s LOCAL 10 brings together practical ways to plan, find assistance and support neighbors, along with local hiring and shopping updates. Here are the ten selections from the HastingsNow team.
Top 3 Today
1. Pumpkin collection is November 7–8
Hastings residents can bring pumpkins and gourds to the labeled bins at the Dakota County Highway Shop, 900 County Road 47, on Saturday and Sunday, November 7–8. The City of Hastings collection notice provides the event details.
Before loading up, remove candles, wax and other decorations. Painted or glittered pumpkins are not accepted, so keep those out of the collection bins.
2. Project Share registration closes November 25
Hastings Family Service’s Project Share is accepting registration from parents and legal guardians living within ISD 200 who are experiencing hardship. Call 651-437-7134 to arrange an intake appointment before registration closes Wednesday, November 25, at 4 p.m.
Gift assistance serves children through high-school age, including 18-year-olds enrolled in high school. Holiday-meal assistance has separate eligibility requirements; ask HFS which assistance fits your household.
3. Raiders play Saint Thomas Academy at Todd Field on November 6
Hastings faces Saint Thomas Academy at 6 p.m. Friday, November 6, at McNamara Stadium/Todd Field. Saint Thomas Academy’s official football schedule lists the varsity matchup, kickoff time and venue.
For spectators planning the evening, Todd Field is the destination. Use the school’s schedule to keep the game information handy.
Local 10 infographic by HastingsNow.com
More to know
4. Orange Dragon hosts its winter reception November 6
Across the river in Prescott, Orange Dragon Art Gallery’s winter opening reception begins at 5 p.m. Friday, November 6, at 122 Orange Street. Hastings Prescott Arts Council’s reception announcement invites visitors for art shopping and snacks.
Explore Orange Dragon Art Gallery before your visit.
5. Hastings Family Service requests winter outerwear for older children
Hastings Family Service is asking for new or gently used coats, waterproof gloves or mittens, and durable snow pants for older elementary and middle-school children.
If you have usable items to contribute, bring them to 301 Second Street East, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. See the winter outerwear request and HFS Donation Center details before dropping off donations.
6. Coborn’s Taste of the Holidays is November 7
Coborn’s Hastings announces Taste of the Holidays for Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. The store’s plans include food samples, carolers, children’s activities and a visit from Santa.
Shoppers and families can use that four-hour window to plan a visit to the Hastings store.
7. Evolution Auto Service invites technician applications
Evolution Auto Service is seeking technicians for its Hastings shop at 2550 Millard Avenue. People interested in automotive technician work can use the employment-inquiry form on its careers page, which includes a technician option.
8. 5th Avenue offers buy one, get one half off hairspray
5th Avenue Color Company’s November 5–14 hairspray promotion offers buy one, get one half off on all hairsprays in stock. Customers shopping for styling products can check the salon’s announcement for the offer and ask about the products they want.
9. Lionheart lists outpatient recovery services in Hastings
Lionheart Wellness & Recovery, at 1112 Highway 55, Suite 101, lists outpatient substance-use and co-occurring-disorder services for adults and adolescents, with in-person and telehealth options.
Adults and families seeking adolescent treatment information can review the program descriptions and use the enrollment contact on Lionheart’s website to ask about next steps. Hastings Area Rotary Club brought attention to the local resource.
10. 61 Marine & Sports announces Blue Sky Covers dealership
61 Marine & Sports’ announcement says the Hastings business is now an authorized dealer for Blue Sky Covers, including the SoftShell Daily Cover. Boat owners can call 651-437-3522 to ask about fit and ordering.
The announcement specifies that SoftShell Daily Covers are intended for everyday use, not extended outdoor storage.
If You Only Click One
Start with Hastings Family Service’s Project Share information, which explains a holiday-assistance option for eligible local families and provides a clear next step before the November 25 deadline. Even if your household does not need help, the official page is a useful resource to pass along to someone who may.
Add your part through Local Pigeon
Hastings-area businesses, organizations and residents may submit useful updates, clarifications or responses through Local Pigeon. Submissions are reviewed, and submitting does not guarantee publication; HastingsNow remains the editor and publisher.
How LOCAL 10 is selected
The HastingsNow team selects LOCAL 10 for usefulness, timing, local relevance, source diversity and public value. Inclusion is not paid placement and is not guaranteed.
