‘It’s not just a downtown thing, it’s a Hastings thing’

By Bruce Karnick

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It’s time for Hastings Rivertown Days!

Take a look on the back page of this edition of the Hastings Journal for the full schedule of downtown and aroundtown events for an exciting weekend of familyfriendly things to do.

Last week, the Journal sat down with Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce President Kristy Barse and Program & Communications Manager Jessica Dodge to talk about the exciting things you can expect this weekend and to talk about some of the logistics when you head downtown.

One key piece of information is that the events downtown that require a button, including getting a button at the gate, are cash only. There are no ATMs nearby, so come prepared with cash.

If you still need a button, there are locations around town that will have buttons for sale through Thursday. If you are near Westview Center, Hometown Ace Hardware or Culvers are great spots. The YMCA has them if you are out in the area of Regina Hospital. Many of the downtown businesses have them, such as Spiral Brewery, The Busted Nut, SC Toys,

The 2021 Rivertown Days event put on by the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce saw a major change last year to the format. The festival keeps some of the things from RTD of old, like the carnival and fair-type food options, as well as the craft fair, while adding a music festival feel to it and incorporating the car show. Photo provided by the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce Quaint and Quirky, The Onion Grille and Hastings Family Service. But area businesses will only have them for $15 each until close of business Thursday. Keep in mind, if you get them at the gate on Friday or Saturday, the price is $20 per button. Kids 12 and under are free.

What is going on downtown that requires a button?

Music. Music is the centerpiece of the button requirements on Friday and Saturday. The main stage is the 61 Stage just east of the 61 bridge. There you will find the bigger acts like Good for Gary, NurD, Chris Kroeze and The Suburbs. The Sibley Stage and Pavilion Stage both have great acts as well.

The carnival and food trucks will also be behind the button barrier for Friday and Saturday. Once the final show concludes Saturday night, the stages and gates will be taken down and the scene will be set for the final day of events. Sunday is a buttonfree day downtown and on the riverfront.

What other events are going on that do NOT require a button?

“Keep in mind that it’s not just a downtown thing, it’s a Hastings thing. Yes, we do have attractions downtown, but we do also have events going on around town,” explained Dodge. Those official RTD events around town are sponsored by local businesses. Some events around town are free, others have their own cover charge or entrance fee. One big, traditional event is the Dugarel’s Tent Dance featuring Tim Sigler, Friday night at 9 p.m. Then on Saturday morning at Duggies, they have a 10 a.m. Yoga and a Pint event. Saturday night they have another band, Junk FM at 9 p.m.

Saturday is a day packed with opportunities for entertainment. With the music scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m. downtown, the gates will be open for all until 1 p.m. There will be a presentation by Carpenter Nature Center Saturday morning on the Pavilion Stage followed by a performance from Black Dirt Theater at 12:30 p.m. There’s a sand volleyball tournament at Pioneer Park, sidewalk sale on Second Street starting at 9 a.m., a petting zoo at Premier Bank, the 10cent carnival at River of Life Church, Machinery Hill under the bridge and so much more. Saturday will be a blast.

“There is a cool new Bubble Park sponsored by Branchline Church. What they are doing is, they bring out a bunch of plastic pools and they fill them with bubbles. They also have a bunch of machines and bubble guns that make the bubbles and kids can make these enormous bubble characters,” added Barse.

The Bubble Park has the potential for guests to get a little wet, so be prepared for that, but it is also going to be a great way to cool down on a gorgeous summer day. The Bubble Park will be open Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sunday, the gates come down and the car show takes over Second Street. The carnival and food trucks remain, and the day is button free. Sunday morning kicks off at the Rotary Pavilion stage with a 9 a.m. community church service, and the final musical act is the Hastings Sings Competition at 2 p.m., also at the Rotary Pavilion.

Saturday and Sunday, the craft fair will be held at Jaycee Park with over 60 vendors selling their wares. The fair opens at 9 a.m. both days, closing at 5 p.m. on Saturday and concluding at 4 p.m. on Sunday.

What are the logistics of participating?

First and foremost, bring cash, and if you plan on consuming adult beverages, bring your ID. There are three entry points, all three are on or close to Second Street: the west end under Highway 61 behind the 61 stage, and two at the intersection of Ramsey and Second Street. At the entry points to downtown, anyone wanting to drink from the beer stands will need to show proof of age and receive a free wrist band.

The wrist bands are only available at the three gates and without a wrist band, you will not be able to purchase an alcoholic beverage from the beer tents. This process is in place to expedite the transactions once inside the gates.

Rivertown Days is an evolving event and is setup to be a fun time thanks to the thousands of hours of work done by volunteers and Hastings Chamber of Commerce staff.

We’ll see you at Rivertown Days!

Volunteer training for Rivertown Days was held last Wednesday night at the Hastings Golf Club. Volunteers were trained on checking identification and alcohol service, among other details to get them ready for their shifts. Photo by John McLoone

One of last year’s popular bands, Good for Gary, is returning this year and will perform on Friday at 10 p.m. on the 61 Stage. Photo provided by the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce. Photo courtesy of Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce