LOCAL 10: Youth Craft Fair, School Supplies and Hastings Weekend Plans
Photo by Ashley Media
Young makers at Pleasant Hill, school-supply assistance, downtown cars, Levee Park plans, local jobs and practical services lead Wednesday’s LOCAL 10.
Weather Companion
Weather companion by HastingsNow.com
Wednesday, August 12, begins with patchy fog before about 7 a.m., then turns mostly sunny and warm with a high near 86°F. Light winds continue through the day before clouds increase Wednesday night; see the full Hastings Weather + On This Date companion before making outdoor plans.
Wednesday’s list has a strong practical streak: something happening today, help families can use before school starts, several reasons to make plans for the next few days and a handful of local resources worth knowing about.
Here are 10 reviewed updates for Hastings-area residents on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
TOP 3 TODAY
AI infographic by HastingsNow.com
1. Young Hastings makers take over Pleasant Hill Library today
Young entrepreneurs will turn Pleasant Hill Library into a local marketplace Wednesday, August 12, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. during the Pleasant Hill Craft Fair. Youth ages 4–18 will sell their own arts and crafts, with every item priced at $3 or less, and shoppers of all ages are welcome.
Seller space requires advance registration and is limited, so today’s walk-in opportunity is for shoppers rather than new vendors. Dakota County Library also has additional information on its Youth Craft Fair program page.
2. Hastings Family Service school-supply appointments run Aug. 17–21
Families preparing for the new school year can still look into free school-supply assistance through Hastings Family Service.
Distribution appointments are scheduled for August 17–21, and the program serves families who live in or attend school in ISD 200. Parents or guardians who may qualify should contact Hastings Family Service to arrange an appointment.
3. Historic Hastings Car Show returns downtown Sunday
August 2024 Downtown Hastings, MN Car Show image by Ashley Media.
Second Street fills with classic cars and trucks on Sunday, August 16, from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. for the Historic Hastings Car Show.
The Hastings Downtown Business Association and Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce host the downtown event, which features vehicles from 1985 and earlier. Residents planning a Sunday downtown visit can use the official event page for current details.
QUICK HITS
4. Levee Park has music Thursday and a movie Friday
City of Hastings Music + Market on July 7, 2026 image by Ashley Media.
The next stretch of programming at Levee Park starts Thursday, August 13, with Indigo Moon performing from 6–8:30 p.m. alongside Music + Market activities. The City of Hastings lists Thursday’s programming as free and open to all ages.
A community movie night follows on Friday, August 14. Check the city’s official Levee Park event schedule before heading downtown.
5. CareerForce hiring event brings 13 employers and resources together Thursday
Job seekers willing to make the trip to West St. Paul have another option Thursday. CareerForce West St. Paul will bring together 13 employers and community resources on August 13 from 2–4 p.m. at Dakota County’s Northern Service Center, 1 Mendota Road W.
Dakota County says the employers collectively represent nearly 40 types of positions. Review the Dakota County CareerForce announcement for the source details.
6. Allina Health’s Hastings urgent care is open evenings on weekdays and weekends
Allina Health’s Hastings Urgent Care location at 1880 N. Frontage Road currently lists hours of 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday for appropriate non-emergency illnesses and injuries.
Residents can check the official Allina Health Hastings Urgent Care page for the location and current information. The urgent-care location is on N. Frontage Road, not at the Regina Hospital campus.
7. 2nd Street Depot is hiring a weekend bartender/server
2nd Street Depot Bar & Grill image by HastingsNow.com
2nd Street Depot is looking for a bartender/server available for Friday, Saturday and Sunday shifts in Hastings.
The business says experience is preferred and asks interested applicants to inquire directly. Pay and total weekly hours were not included in the verified posting.
8. Hastings has a 24/7 anonymous medication drop box
Dakota County maintains a medication drop box at the Hastings Law Enforcement Center, 1580 Highway 55, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Household prescription, over-the-counter and pet medications can be dropped off anonymously without identification or questions. Sharps are not accepted; Dakota County has the current details on its medication disposal page.
9. Hastings Community Education is hiring School Age Care staff
Hastings Community Education is recruiting School Age Care staff, including positions connected with McAuliffe and Pinecrest.
Anyone interested in working with school-age children can review the current positions and application requirements through the district’s official Community Education employment listings. Exact openings and locations can change, so applicants should rely on the current listings rather than a fixed vacancy count.
10. Hastings Moms on the Run invites locals to an Aug. 23 5K
The annual Moms on the Run 5K takes place Sunday, August 23, at Normandale Lake Park in Bloomington. The 5K begins at 9:30 a.m., with kids’ races later in the morning.
The event offers both in-person and virtual participation, and non-members may participate. Hastings-area runners and walkers can review the official Moms on the Run race information before registering.
If You Only Click One
If back-to-school costs are part of your August planning, start with the Hastings Family Service School Supply Assistance page.
Appointments take place August 17–21, and the official HFS page explains who the program serves and how families can seek assistance.
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