What Hastings Is Talking About Today (Community Edition ▲ August 10, 2025)
Image by HastingsNow.com
Good morning, Hastings! It’s your friendly neighbor from HastingsNow.com, peeking over the backyard fence with a fresh basket of stories. We’ve gathered the week’s most buzzworthy posts to start your day with a smile and a scoop. Just for you!
News & Events
Festival on the River Gets a Tune‑Up
The Hastings Area Rotary Club’s Festival on the River is still free and fabulous, but the line‑up has shifted. Due to a scheduling conflict, blues rocker Joe Flip will now hit the stage at 3 p.m., followed by hometown favorites ASHLAND at 5 p.m.. Set for next Saturday along the riverfront, the festival promises music, food and family fun. Craft booths, food trucks and a fireworks finale mean this is the highlight of the summer calendar, so grab a lawn chair, invite a friend, and soak up the vibes while supporting the Rotary’s community projects.
👉 Link: Hastings Area Rotary Club
BBQ Food Truck Pops Up
Calling all carnivores! The folks at Whiskey Creek BBQ have called an audible and parked their trailer at Cub Foods in Cottage Grove. Saturday they served smoky ribs, four‑meat platters, brisket Philly sandwiches, Texas Twinkies and more. Perfect for fueling up before the Vikings preseason game, the pop‑up also offers family packs and a map to 8690 E Point Douglas Rd S so you can find the feast. Smoky aromas wafting across the parking lot will draw you in, and the friendly pit crew loves to talk sauces and sides—be on the lookout for more Sunday NFL Gameday Treats coming soon!
👉 Link: Cub Foods in Cottage Grove
Skate into Winter with River Blades
Even though it’s August, the River Blades Skating School is thinking ahead. Celebrating its 20th anniversary under former Disney on Ice pro Amanda Truax, the program offers classes for figure skaters, hockey players and casual rink‑rats. Sessions run Saturdays from Oct. 11 – Dec. 20, with a special Skate with Santa event on Dec. 13 benefiting the Hastings Family Service Food Shelf. Whether you’re lacing up for the first time or perfecting your axel, friendly coaches create a supportive atmosphere. Classes fill quickly, so lace up and register at RiverBladesSkating.com.
👉 Link: River Blades Skating School
One‑Time Ugly Loaf Sale
Local favorite Wild Woods Bakery is offering its popular “ugly loaf” just once this month. For $10 you can snag a hearty loaf in flavors like cinnamon swirl or blueberry—but only while supplies last. The bakers work hard behind the scenes to keep the tradition alive, even when their calendar is packed with weddings and farmers markets. The loaves freeze beautifully, so stocking up makes sense when schedules are busy. It’s a delicious way to support a family business and treat yourself to something sweet.
👉 Link: Wild Woods Bakery
Local Shopping & Deals
Vintage Treasures at Boondocks
Hunting for antiques or a retro wardrobe refresh? Boondocks Vintage Boutique is holding a clearance sale on clothing and furniture at 7402 Lamar Ave S, Cottage Grove. Hours are Thursday 11 – 6, Friday and Saturday 10 – 5, and Sunday 11 – 3, with tons of brand‑new apparel, upcycled pieces, and home décor. It’s a great excuse to explore Cottage Grove, shop locally and chat with friendly staff about that perfect mid‑century lamp you didn’t know you needed.
👉 Link: Boondocks Vintage Boutique
Forest Street Family Garage Sale
Garage sale season is in full swing, and yesterday a multi‑family affair at 1220 Forest St was drawing bargain hunters. They were open until 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, with the sale promising treasures ranging from kids’ toys and clothing to housewares and tools. Visitor were able to chat with neighbors over a cup of lemonade, practice their haggling skills and remember: one person’s clutter is another person’s perfect find.
👉 Link: Garage Sale
Hudson Kids & Baby Bargain Bonanza
If you were up for a short drive, and headed to 1620 Pinewood Ln, Hudson, Wisconsin there was a one‑day mega‑sale. From 8 a.m.–6 p.m. the event featured baby and kids’ clothes, furniture, toys, bedding, kitchen gear, electronics and more. Payment options included cash, Venmo, Cash App and Chime. Whether you needed a stroller, a stack of puzzles or a cute backpack, this was the place to stock up before school starts.
👉 Link: Bargain Bonanza
Rock On! Free Landscaping Rocks
Got a landscaping project in mind? A generous community member is giving away large landscaping rocks at 600 6th St W. The rocks are big and heavy, so bring a friend and a sturdy vehicle. This is a perfect opportunity to spruce up your garden without spending a dime—and maybe meet a fellow gardener or two while you’re at it.
👉 Link: Landscaping Rocks
People & Pets
Cybertruck Birthday Surprise
The power of community was on full display when a local mom posted that her son’s birthday was made unforgettable. Friendly neighbors arranged for him to see and ride in a Tesla Cybertruck, followed by what he called a “transformer convertible”. The experience turned a simple party into an epic story he’ll tell for weeks. Moments like this remind us that Hastings isn’t just a place—it’s a big family that loves to make kids smile.
👉 Link: Cyber Truck
Lost Cat Rage Returns Home
Pet lovers breathed a collective sigh of relief after Rage, a friendly cat with a chronic respiratory condition, slipped out near 15th and Prairie. The owner scoured the neighborhood, shaking treat bags and calling for him. Thanks to a watchful neighbor, Rage was escorted home and safely contained, reminding us all to keep an eye out for wandering whiskers and to microchip our furry friends.
👉 Link: Found Cat
Conclusion
From festival updates and foodie pop‑ups to treasure hunts, giveaways and heartwarming tales, Hastings is buzzing with neighborly energy. Remember to support local businesses, wave to your fellow residents and keep those community posts coming. For the complete rundown of our LOCAL 10 stories and more daily updates, visit HastingsNow.com. If you spot a misstatement or have a hot tip, drop us a line at HastingsNow.com/contact—our newsroom loves neighborly notes!
