By Bruce Karnick

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Last year, the Downtown Business Association hired Tom Schiller to create a series of Ice Sculptures along the sidewalks of second street. The idea was so popular, Schiller made a return for the 2022 “Love Local” event. The event featured more unique ice carvings from Schiller including a demonstration on how he does the carving, including the tools he uses. His number one tool after his many layers of clothing? A chainsaw.

On Saturday, visitors were greeted with the music playing throughout the 2nd Street, many shops had sales going just for the event and of course, the restaurants were looking forward to feeding Valentine's Day shoppers as they wandered downtown in frigid temps.

Those temps seemed to keep the streets clear for most of the afternoon with people stopping quickly to see the sculptures before they ran to the next shopping location on their list.

The Downtown Business Association thanks the following sponsors of the event: El Mexican Restaurant of Hastings, Edward Jones, Vintage inspirations, SC Toys, Quaint and Quirky, Grove-Boutique, Spiral Brewery, Creative Hair Design MN, The Busted Nut Bar & Grill, Level Up Games – Hastings, Lock And Dam Eatery, Katy Lindberg Insurance Agency, Beloved Bridal & Boutique featuring VZ Haberdashery, D.R. Youngren Photography, Elm Salon & Spa, Rivertown Barbers, Legacy Hair Studio.

Photos by Bruce Karnick.