The work done by Tatia Nelson and the Downtown Business Association (DBA) has finally paid off. Nelson, owner of The Busted Nut and the President of the DBA, led the charge to acquire new decorations for the winter.

“It was a lot of work,” said Nelson. “It started back in 2018, and to finally see it come to fruition was amazing. It could not have happened without the sponsors and the Community Investment Fund from the city.”

The Community Investment Fund (CIF) was created near the end of last year for members of the community to make requests of the city to help make improvements to the community of Hastings. Parks, the arts and community spaces are examples of who all can benefit from the CIF.

“That was the idea that we had, put the voice out there for the people to be able to share some unique opportunities that don't always come through to us on a regular basis,” said city council member Trevor Lund. “People have great ideas, and we want to hear them and that's what that fund is for. Hopefully we're able to keep it going. But I think bigger than that is just look around. We've been out here all day. And it's been nonstop people from all over the town but also from all over the place. I think it's just a great reminder of community and getting together and hanging out and having a great time. We're in a place where we can do that. So, good job for the downtown business association.”

“The Community Investment Fund was created so that organizations and establishments around the city could come up with their own ideas that the city should invest in,” said Council Member Jen Fox. “It's something that I'm super proud of that we created. We thought long and hard about how we can get businesses and organizations involved in our decision-making process, and this is the shining star of that decision making process.”

The CIF was instrumental in getting the snowflake decorations for downtown, especially with the cost being right around $40,000. Half of that came from the DBA and the other half from the CIF.

The new decorations along Second St. and the adjoining side streets look great and add a ton to the festive feel of downtown. Hundreds gathered around 5:00 p.m. to see the decorations lit at 5:15. Then, they moved to City Hall to enjoy the lighting of the City’s holiday tree.

First, Mayor Fasbender welcomed the large crowd before a small group of kids called the Good News Gang Choir kicked things off with a couple quick Christmas Carols on the steps of City Hall. After their songs, they moved to the tree for the tree to be lit, and they sang another tune. Onlookers enjoyed hot cocoa from Crossroads Church during the festivities.

Hundreds gathered for a small ceremony for the lighting of the holiday tree at City Hall. Photo by Bruce Karnick

The Good News Gang Choir sang at City Hall and in front of the City’s holiday tree after it was lit.Photo by Bruce Karnick