Do you have your tickets yet?  Tickets for what you are asking.  Well, that depends on what ticketed event you are hoping to get out and about to see.  In our world, compared to days gone by, rarely do we buy actual paper tickets.  The ticketing process in today’s world is electronic, digital, and virtual.  We do not have to carry tickets in our billfolds, purses, or wherever you put your tickets before going to an event.  You simply put them into your wallet app on your cell phone and you are set, unless you lose your phone, which let’s be honest, is about the most heart-stopping event that can happen nowadays.  Now that we have your attention regarding tickets, here are a few you might want to consider as things to get out and about requiring tickets. 

Hastings and Park High School events and activities are all using various vendors of technology for their ticketed events.  If you are at least a little bit tech savvy, finding the athletics, concerts, plays, or other events requiring tickets on the school websites is pretty easy.  If you struggle a bit with technology, the school office will be able to either assist you directly or get you to the right people to assist you.  Most schools also have signage with QR codes at the door that you can scan with your phone, and you can get tickets right there.  We understand that for a few, this is an inconvenience and for most, the overall experience is made much simpler than in the past.  The biggest point here is to remember to get out and about a few times this year to support our kids and our schools, even if you no longer have any kids in school.   

A major event that is happening in our area on Saturday, September 9th is Rivertown Live; A Concert for a Cause, which is the main fundraiser for the Hastings Area Rotary Club.  Hastings Automotive (Hastings Ford, Hastings Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge) has once again stepped up to be the Presenting Partner with the local Rotarians and this year.  STARSHIP with Mickey Thomas, is the headliner with John Waite, and The Hype, as opening acts.  Mickey Thomas is the owner of the soaring voice that propelled Starship through the decade of the 80’s. With his soulful and compelling vocals, Mickey has established himself as one of rock music’s most recognizable stars.  Mickey made his mark in 1976 as lead vocalist on the mega-hit “Fooled Around and Fell In Love” with The Elvin Bishop Band. In 1979, Mickey joined Jefferson Starship as the lead vocalist, after the departure of Grace Slick and Marty Balin, and recorded a string of hits including “Jane”, “No Way Out”, “Find Your Way Back”, “Stranger”, and “Layin It on The Line”.  The group was renamed Starship in 1985 and went on to record three #1 hit songs including “We Built This City”, “Sara”, and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now”, from the film Mannequin which also was an Academy Award nominee. Their hit “It’s Not Over Til It’s Over” became Major League Baseball’s theme in 1987. Mickey’s stellar voice and video charisma on Starships’ video classics such as “We Built This City” and “Sara” became staples on MTV and VH1.  One can expect to hear hits from Starship and Jefferson Starship at Starship’s live performances, as well as a few selections from Jefferson Airplane as a nod to both bands’ beginnings.  For more information about this incredible concert that also benefits our community and beyond, visit www.rivertownlive.com and be sure to get your tickets.   

Finally, here is something that is FREE and does not take any tickets.  The Hasting Community Health Fair will be held on Saturday, September 23rd at Hastings High School.  You will be able to get free screenings and information about Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Women’s Health, Behavioral Health, Dental Health, Fitness, and more.  There will also be door prizes and other tips to live your best life.  All are welcome to this wonderful event and again, there is no cost to attend, so mark your calendar and plan to get out and about to take steps towards a healthier lifestyle for you and others.  Now, Get Out and About.