Have you spotted the Yeti purported to be stalking Hastings neighborhoods and downtown area yet?
Keep your eyes out for it! It could win you a prize.
Visithastingsmn.org – managed by the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor’s Bureau have teamed up with the Hastings Downtown Business Association to “invite” the Yeti to the community. What’s a Yeti? Wikipedia explains it like this: “The Yeti (/ˈjɛti/)[2] is an ape-like creature purported to inhabit the Himalayan mountain range in Asia. In Western popular culture, the creature is commonly referred to as the Abominable Snowman. Think Bigfoot. Sightings are rare, though plenty of them are popping up on Hastings social media accounts.
The Yeti is leading the way to the Yeti Ice Sculpture Celebration planned Saturday, Jan. 20 in downtown Hastings. The event runs from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and features specials at downtown shops, restaurants and bars. Also on the calendar for the day are tours of Hastings City Hall.
Here’s the schedule:
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Hastings Art Center, American Red Cross Blood Drive (216 4th St E)
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Hastings City Hall, Guided Tours on the hour (11:00, 12:00 and 1:00) Sponsored by the Hastings Art & Culture Commission (101 4th St E)
11 a.m.—3 p.m. Permanent Jewelry, 10,000 Links, and live music Quaint and Quirky(216 2nd St E)
Noon-4 p.m. live ice carving in Oliver’s Grove by Master Ice Sculptor, Tom Schiller(Ramsey St)
Noon-4 p.m.- DJ Mark playing all of your cold weather hits (Sibley St)
1 p.m.-3 p.m. Faux Succulent Arrangement Class, Impressive Windows & Interiors/Miss Daisy’s Pop-Up Shop (113 2nd St E)
But the Yeti isn’t headed for the hills after the fun day downtown.
Visithastingmn.org urges residents to keep track of Yeti sightings from now through March 17.
“It’s true! Locals have reported Yeti sightings throughout this historic river town. Not only has the seemingly friendly white big foot been seen engaging in some of Minnesota’s favorite outdoor activities, it is also choosing to visit local hot spots,” the website states.
To track the Yeti sightings:
•Follow the Visit Hastings, MN and Hastings Downtown Business Association social media accounts to keep track of YETI SIGHTINGS.
•Visit the same local business OR park the Yeti did and find the hidden yeti.
•Take a photo of you with the YETI image or enjoying a YETI favorite activity.
•Post the photo(s) to your social media & tag Visit Hastings MN, Hastings Downtown Business Association and the local business you’re visiting. (Bonus points for leaving a positive Google review for the business!)
•Followers with the MOST Yeti Sighting posts will be entered into a drawing for a grand prize! Use the hash tag #hastingsmnyeti
•Prize winners will be announced on March 17, 2024.