LOCAL 10: What Hastings Should Know Today — Saturday, July 11th, 2026
Hastings, Minnesota Bridge. Photo by Ashley Media
Saturday is shaping up sunny, warm and full of reasons to leave the house—or at least make a plan before the afternoon heat settles in. Today’s LOCAL 10 includes raspberry picking, a dollar flower sale, unusual ice-cream flavors, an important Highway 61 meeting, local jobs and several events worth putting on next week’s calendar.
Today in Hastings in 10 Seconds
After a possible patch of early fog, Hastings should turn sunny and warm Saturday, with a high near 88°F and a light south breeze. It is a good morning for berry picking and errands, a good afternoon for something cold downtown, and a good day to save a few dates before Rivertown Days arrives.
Top 3 Today
AI infographic by HastingsNow.com
1. Pick-your-own raspberries are open in Hastings today
Source: Afton Apple Orchard
Afton Apple Orchard says its pick-your-own raspberry fields are open Saturday, July 11, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., weather permitting and while the berries last. Admission, picking supplies, family activities and ordering information are available through the orchard’s update and online store. Because field conditions and supply can change quickly, check the newest update or call before making the drive. Pets are not permitted.
Why it matters: This is one of today’s most actionable family outings, but the best picking could go early.
Check the source for the latest picking details →
2. Highway 61 reconstruction meeting is Tuesday at Hastings High School
Source: Minnesota Department of Transportation and City of Hastings Government
Hastings residents can examine plans for the upcoming Highway 61 reconstruction project during an open-house meeting Tuesday, July 14, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Hastings High School. A presentation begins at 5:30 p.m. The project information includes proposed intersection changes, roundabouts, detours, pedestrian accessibility, trails, utilities and construction impacts along the corridor. Residents can attend, review the plans and bring questions directly to the project team.
Why it matters: The 2027–2029 project could affect travel, businesses and daily life along one of Hastings’ most important corridors.
View the official MnDOT project information →
3. Free Hastings workshop will help families recognize scams
Source: Benedictine Living Community–Regina
Benedictine Living Community–Regina is hosting “Stop, Spot and Report Scams” from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, July 16. The free Hastings presentation will address common schemes targeting older adults, including family-emergency scams, phishing messages, suspicious online purchases and tactics that create false trust or urgency. The workshop is being held at Benedictine-Regina, 1008 First Street West. Register through the official event page and check availability before attending.
Why it matters: A single hour of practical information could help protect a neighbor or family member from significant financial harm.
Seven Quick Hits
4. Rivertown Days arrives next week
Source: Rivertown Days
Hastings’ big summer weekend runs July 16–19, with live music, food trucks, carnival activities, volleyball and family events. Now is the time to review the schedule, decide which activities require tickets and make a downtown plan.
5. Emerald Greens and Bogey’s are hiring
Source: Emerald Greens Golf Course and Bogey’s Pub
Emerald Greens and Bogey’s are seeking bartenders and servers who can work weekends and some weekdays. Experience is preferred but not required. Applicants can review the opportunity and apply through the golf course’s employment page.
6. Fluegel’s remaining greenhouse flowers are $1 each
Source: Fluegel’s Lawn, Garden and Pet Supply
Fluegel’s has moved its remaining greenhouse flowers to a $1 closeout price while supplies last. Patio pots are excluded, and Saturday inventory may change quickly, so check the original update before heading over with an empty trunk.
Check the source for the latest availability →
7. Competition auditions begin next week at Jan’s
Source: Jan’s School of Dance
Jan’s School of Dance is preparing for its 46th season, with competition-team auditions beginning next week. Families interested in the 2026–27 program should check Jan’s announcement for exact audition times, age groups and registration instructions.
Check the original audition announcement →
8. Banana cream and watermelon are Saturday’s featured scoops
Enjoy delicious ice cream treats and sweet handcrafted desserts at Crème de la Crème in Historic Downtown Hastings, Minnesota. Photo by Ashley Media
Source: Crème de la Crème
Saturday’s featured ice-cream flavors at Crème de la Crème are banana cream and watermelon—a pairing that sounds a little like dessert and a picnic decided to share a cone. Check availability before making a special trip.
Check the source for the latest flavor availability →
9. Outdoor worship and a community picnic are planned Sunday
Source: St. John’s Lutheran Church
St. John’s says it is planning outdoor worship and a community picnic at 10 a.m. Sunday, July 12, with food provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket and check the church’s source for location or weather-related updates.
Check the source and livestream information →
10. New sign celebrates Hastings’ student nature preserve
Source: Hastings Public Schools
Hastings Public Schools recently recognized the completion of a new interpretive sign at its 56-acre student nature preserve. The outdoor learning space supports student work involving wildlife, plants, conservation, water quality and field biology.
Read the district’s original update →
If You Only Click One
Start with the official Highway 61 reconstruction project page. The project is expected to affect traffic, businesses, pedestrians and everyday travel through Hastings, and MnDOT’s official source is the best place for accurate plans, meeting information and future updates.
View the official Highway 61 project page →
Also Today: Weather + On This Date
Saturday should turn sunny and warm, with a high near 88°F and a mostly clear evening ahead. Today’s HastingsNow time capsule also revisits Skylab’s dramatic return to Earth in 1979, Minnesota’s July 2016 mega-rain and the publication of To Kill a Mockingbird.
Read today’s Weather + On This Date →
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