Kool-Aid Classic Bicycle Tour

2008-10-03T14:20:00.000-05:00

A record number of cyclists registered for the sixth annual Kool-Aid Classic Bicycle Tour held on Saturday, August 12. The event was sponsored by HUB, Hastings Unique Bicyclists, and held in conjunction with Kool-Aid Days in Hastings, Nebraska. Over 130 riders from four different states rode their bicycles either 30 or 60 miles, drank Kool-Aid and helped raise money for the Pioneer Spirit Trail (

Weekend America: Part-time Baker

2008-10-02T10:40:00.010-05:00

Motorsport Park has been developed as multimillion-dollar playground

2008-08-06T13:48:00.000-05:00

BY PAUL HAMMELWORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITERHASTINGS, Neb. — As he roared down the straightaway at 100 mph in an $80,000 canary-yellow Corvette, George Anderson had a thought: "It just doesn't get any better than this."George Anderson drives his Corvette around the 2.15-mile track at Motorsport Park. He said his hometown was ideal for a motor sports venue.Then he downshifted into a gravity-bending

"Best Places to Live for Fast Commutes"

2008-07-21T15:26:00.001-05:00

According to CNNMoney.com Hastings ranks 15th in a study of "Best Places to Live for Fast Commutes". Nebraska has five cities in the Top 25 including: Norfolk, Columbus, Kearney, Hastings and North Platte.Here is the link:http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2008/top25s/qualitylife/

2008-07-15T13:51:00.004-05:00

The Flatwater Folk Festival is this weekend at the Prairie Loft Center! Here is a schedule of events. Hope to see you there!Saturday, July 19, 11am-10pmConcerts, Workshops, Kids’ activities, Vendors, Food & BeerMain Stage11:30 Emily Dunbar12:30 Robin Harrell1:30 John Marriot2:00 Craig DeWalt2:30 Rowdy Grabowski3:30 Todd Brown4:30 Tom Prasada Rao & Cary Cooper5:45 Mike & Amy Finders8:00-10:00 Wild

In the words of a traveler...

2008-07-14T11:09:00.003-05:00

Sarah is bringing her kids to Hastings and you can read all about it on her BLOG at http://sarahsfabday.blogspot.com/2008/07/were-off.html. Thanks for the plug Sarah! You will have a great time in Hastings!

Take a lap!

2008-07-01T12:16:00.002-05:00

For those with a passion for racing of any kind Motorsport Park Hastings offers just what you are looking for. MPH is a multi-million dollar racing facility including a 2.33-mile, 14-turn track drawing racing enthusiasts from all over the nation

2008-06-26T10:12:00.006-05:00

www.CentralNebraskaAdventures.com The Central Nebraska Tourism Partnership has launched a new tourism website. The website includes maps, itineraries, location tools and attraction/event listings from 13 participating counties in central Nebraska . It targets out-of-state travelers and showcases the area as a cohesive travel destination. In addition to being able to map all of the attractions in

2008-06-18T09:58:00.004-05:00

Rolling out the Red Carpet...

2008-05-21T12:31:00.008-05:00

Hastings participated in the Red Carpet Service offered by the UNL Extension on May 20th and 2st. Over 60 front-line employees and managers from the service and tourism industries attended the two day class. The goal of the program was to learn how to effectively welcome visitors, give directions and cross promote other tourism attractions and retail businesses in Hastings.We look forward to

2008 Nebraska Vacation Guides

2008-05-16T08:58:00.002-05:00

On May 15th Hastings welcomed 15 Nebraska Vacation Guides. The guides toured the Hastings Museum, a historic housing district,the Hastings Aquacourt Waterpark, Downtown Hastings and Motorsport Park Hastings. They also met Kool-Aid Man. OH YEAH! The guides will spend the summer welcoming visitors to the state at the information booths in the 1-80 rest stops.

Can I tell you about Prairie Loft?

2008-05-02T10:01:00.006-05:00

I am a city girl through and through but there have been things in my life that have introduced me to life outside of city limits. I have ridden a tractor and horse, I have worked in a garden and I have gone swimming in a creek. And all of these things have generated an appreciation for nature.But as the world changes and video games, the Internet and TV take a stronger presence in my life I

Come to Hastings....

2008-04-17T10:55:00.002-05:00

...and enjoy a series of self-guided tours exploring the history, culture & architecture of Central Nebraska from 1872-1950.While you are here you will also enjoy cultural events, art galleries, antique shops, walking trails, live music venues and first class attractions. We hope to see you soon! www.adamshistory.org

"Best Places to Live in Rural Nebraska"

2008-04-01T09:45:00.004-05:00

Progressive Farmer magazine has published its fourth annual "Best Places to Live in Rural America" report. The magazine's editors compiled the list of rural counties based on certain criteria, including home and land prices, crime rates, environment, education, economic factors and access to health care. There were nine Nebraska counties that made the magazine's Top 100 list of Midwest counties.

Hastings Named Top Walkable City

2008-03-26T08:37:00.002-05:00

Prevention Magazine along with the American Podiatric Medical Association recently named Hastings as one of the top three best walking cities in Nebraska. The number of places to walk in Hastings is higher than in most communities with more than 260 acres of parks, several miles of walking trails and sidewalks throughout the community. Hastings was ranked fourth in the state for parks per square

2008-03-07T08:30:00.004-06:00

Spring still seems a few weeks away but I am dreaming of summer festivals. Planning is well under way for Hastings to host Chautauqua this July. With activities for all ages this event will entertain the whole family. We are blessed to have Chautauqua Pavilion to use and celebrate throughout the festival. The pavilion has been used for activities of this nature for the last 100 years, has seen

Brought to you by the letter V...

2008-03-03T08:39:00.003-06:00

The cranes are here! Saturday was a warm, clear 60 degree day and cranes could be heard over head. They could also be seen flying gracefully in their V shape on their way to the Platte River to rest up for the remainder of their journey.

This Summer....

2008-01-31T10:19:00.001-06:00

I just spent the morning updating the community calendar (www.hastingscalendar.com) with summer events....There is a lot going on this summer in Hastings... we are excited to host both the Nebraska Humanities Council Chautauqua and the Flatwater Folk Festival in July in addition to the already busy festival line-up including the Cottonwood Festival (June), Adams County Fairfest (July) and

Lodging up 26% in Adams County in 2007!

2008-01-16T08:53:00.000-06:00

According to the state tourism office, in the first 11 months of 2007 Adams County saw a 26 percent boost in lodging tax receipts.It was a busy year last year for Hastings. It was the first full racing season for Motorsport Park Hastings which draws racing enthusiasts to Hastings throughout the summer. We celebrated the opening of a new Holiday Inn Express and we welcomed a large influx of

Vacation to Hastings....why?

2008-01-09T12:16:00.000-06:00

By: Janell Bradley, EditorJanuary 09, 2008©Newspapers of Fayette County 2008As Iowans, perhaps most of us can't imagine planning a vacation to Hastings, Nebr. But after watching a recent news segment on a museum there, I've added it to my own personal "100 Places to See Before I Die" list.Why? I'm not sure if they have anything else in Hastings, Nebr., but the Hastings Museum of Natural and

Summer Nebraskans!

2008-01-08T08:22:00.000-06:00

I spent the weekend in McAllen, Texas at their International Travel Show promoting Central Nebraska as a travel destination. In speaking with people from all over the nation that call themselves "Winter Texans" I was pleased to meet a number of people who make their way to Hastings every summer.In Hastings, we are blessed with a fairgrounds facility that is in a central location, can accommodate

Looking forward to 2-0-0-8!

2007-12-31T13:41:00.000-06:00

I've been told that I am not allowed to spill the beans about all of the great entertainment lined up for this summer at the Cottonwood Festival(June13-15), Flatwater Folk Festival(July 19&20), Adams County Fairfest (July 23-27) and Kool-Aid Days (August 8-10). But I can say that the summer of 2008 will showcase a great line-up of artists so mark your calendars. Hang in there the real

COMING SOON TO HASTINGS...

2007-12-27T09:21:00.000-06:00

Come and Get it! BBQ2604 West 2nd461-4BBQHours are 11-9, Mon thru Saturday; Closed on SundayI just got word of a new barbecue place opening in January in Hastings. They will serve smoked meats such as smoked brisket,chicken and pork, bratwurst,wings. Loaded potatoes. Potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans,cornbread muffins and cheesecake all made in the store from scratch. Additionally, they will

CVB Christmas Letter

2007-12-19T11:37:00.000-06:00

We hope this Christmas Letter BLOG finds you happy, healthy and ready to travel. The past year has been an exciting one for the staff of the Adams County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Margaret Peirce is the friendly face that will greet you as you enter the Visitor Center. Margaret has been working for the CVB for two years in February. Margaret spends her days restocking visitor information,

Nebraska State Fair

2007-12-14T15:48:00.000-06:00

Representatives from Grand Island, Kearney and North Platte are all in Lincoln today to convince the states Agriculture Committee to move the Nebraska State Fair to Central Nebraska. While I appreciate their efforts and believe that the fair would have a huge impact on Central Nebraska I appreciate the entire uproar for another reason.When was the last time that a story of any kind caused Joe

Visit Hastings, Nebraska!

2007-12-06T09:51:00.000-06:00

NEW Art Gallery in Hastings!

2007-11-29T15:07:00.000-06:00

A new art gallery has opened in Hastings in the Strand Building on the corner of 2nd Street and Burlington Ave. The gallery displays the photographic work of Hastings resident Jorn Olsen.This gallery is exciting for Hastings as it contributes to the arts culture already here. It is exciting for the state as his photographs capture many of the great aspects of our landscape and culture and

Handel's Messiah

2007-11-27T08:46:00.000-06:00

In Hastings we are blessed to be able to enjoy music and theatrical performances at the college throughout the year... but espeicially at Christmas. This Sunday the Hastings College Department of Music will build upon a long-standing college/community holiday tradition with the performance of Handel’s Messiah. This is the college’s 24th performance of the famous oratorio, and is part of the

Historic Architecture

2007-11-19T14:19:00.000-06:00

On November 29th, the Adams County Historical Society will premier "Connections to the Past", a film about the connected history of Hastings as told through its historic architecture. The Central Hastings and Heartwell Historic Districts will be featured, as will Historic Downtown Hastings and beyond....The film will be shown at the Hastings Museum on the Super Screen beginning at 7:00pm.

Celebration of ....

2007-11-12T16:18:00.000-06:00

Hastings never feels quite so quaint as it does during the Celebration of Lights. For me this is a celebration of not only the Christmas season but of small towns, tradition and most of all good, safe family fun!Families and kids of all ages will pull out their scarves and mittens for the first time this year and will make their way to second street where they will find the beginnings of holiday

Night out on the town...

2007-11-09T10:56:00.000-06:00

Tonight Matt and I are looking forward to attending Hastings College performance of James and the Giant Peach. The college is a great place for residents and visitors alike to find excellent musical and theatrical performances in the Hastings area. This month is busy with performances throughout the community on the weekends. Last weekend was a performance by the Chorus of the Plains, a local

Bread from the Back Alley

2007-11-06T09:19:00.001-06:00

This month Nebraska Life Magazine did a feature article on the Back Alley Bakery in Hastings. I am a neighbor and supporter of the bakery and think that this venture is just one example of the great character found in this community. The bakery is located in a once-neglected building in downtown Hastings at 609 1/2 West Second Street. The oven was built by locals Todd Brown and John Hamburger

Firsthand Experience

2007-10-24T11:21:00.000-05:00

I am off to be a meeting planner and a tourist... in other words I am getting married and going on a honeymoon. See you in a couple of weeks!

What do you mean Hastings has a Visitor Center?

2007-10-22T16:09:00.000-05:00

It is safe to say that in general the residents of Hastings pay very little attention to the happenings at the Visitor Center. But... about the third weekend in October the line of trees right behind the "hut" turn into a rainbow of fall colors. People who have never stopped before stop simply to compliment the colors. People even bring their families to line up in front of the trees for their

Here I go...

2007-10-16T09:54:00.000-05:00

I am leaving town for a few days to attend the Nebraska Travel Conference in Columbus. This conference allows the CVB's to learn how they can work with the Division of Tourism to better promote the entire state. If you are interested in what is happening statewide in terms of tourism, check out http://www.visitnebraska.org/. Be back soon!

Home Run Event!

2007-10-15T09:59:00.000-05:00

Hastings was the proud host of the 2007 NSAA State Softball Championships last week.I took tickets two of the three days and it was so exciting to see people from all over the state enjoying the games in such a great facility. Plus, we could not have asked for better weather.A big thanks to the community for pulling together to make this event such a great success.

Downtown...

2007-10-15T09:06:00.000-05:00

On Thursday of last week the Business Improvement District hosted a tour of downtown upper level living spaces. The event was a fundraiser for the Hastings Greenscape park and over 300 people purchased tickets for the event. http://www.hastingsgreenscape.com/ Downtown living is a national trend and Hastings has seen the benefits with over 10 residences in the two story buildings on 1st and 2nd

Country Harvest Pumpkin Patch

2007-10-10T10:36:00.000-05:00

A favorite attraction in the area this time of year is the Country Harvest Pumpkin Patch. Whether you are in the market for a pumpkin or in need of an evening of entertainment this place is a lot of fun.With hill slides, a corn maze, a petting zoo, a hay jump your family will have a great time. They also have a Prairie Pantry which offers homemade ice cream, homemade fudge and fresh popped kettle

Softballers Welcome!

2007-10-09T09:36:00.000-05:00

Hastings will host the 2007 NSAA State Softball Championships this week at the Bill Smith Softball Complex. Starting on Wednesday morning teams from all over the state will compete in one of the finest softball complexes in the country. The softball action will continue through Friday, October 12th.I encourage community members to come out and welcome this event into our community... and of

Java Jive

2007-10-05T08:49:00.000-05:00

One of my absolute favorite things about this time of year is the Harvest Moon... that is the specialty coffee drink available at Barista's Daily Grind. It is like pumpkin pie in a cup and all at the same time I want to be wearing a sweater, crunching leaves, carving a pumpkin and feeling the crisp cool air against my cheeks.There are 3 coffee shops in Hastings... Barista's, The Blue Moon and

Hastings YMCA

2007-10-03T14:21:00.000-05:00

I am now a proud member of the Hastings YMCA! (But don't be confused my pride in the Y is often disguised by my utter disgust for exercise of any kind.)Despite the fact I was walking on the treadmill at 6:30am this morning I had a sense of great admiration for the facility . If I were still 5 this place would be heaven. With a climbing gyms, basketball courts, water slides and an arcade I would

Scenic Route

2007-10-02T09:14:00.001-05:00

Every morning on my way to work I choose a slower, more scenic route through one of Hastings' historic housing districts. I could bypass all of the dips, school crossings and slower speed limits for a quick drive on Burlington but every morning I would miss seeing this piece of Hastings' charm.I am so impressed with the time and care residents who live on these streets spend maintaining their

Prairie Loft

2007-10-01T15:24:00.000-05:00

I received an invitation in the mail today to attend an open house on Oct. 28 from noon-5 pm at the Prairie Loft Center for Outdoor and Agricultural Learning... and I would like to invite you.This is just the beginning for the center which will not only preserve a historical part of the Hastings area, but that will provide a location for hands on education for youth and families. The center will

Fantastick!

2007-09-28T09:17:00.000-05:00

Last night was the debut performance for the Hastings Community Theatre's 2007-2008 season. The show is called The Fantasticks and while I have only heard rumors of its quality the brochure says it is the "longest-running musical in the world" and that's gotta mean something. With the community's connection to the college and its ongoing passion for the arts, the quality of the performances by

Hastings College Homecoming

2007-09-27T09:46:00.000-05:00

It will be a busy weekend in town as we welcome HC alums back into the community for the college's homecoming celebration.The Melody Round-up Parade on Saturday morning brings out community members and students alike and will showcase bands from all over the state. And what would homecoming be without a football game? Hastings will take on Northwestern and kick-off is scheduled for 2 pm. A

Kool-Aid Man's Footprints

2007-09-26T08:53:00.000-05:00

Let's start this blog off right by making it known... Hastings is the Official Birthplace of Kool-Aid! Kool-Aid Man's footprints, which were originally placed at Mann's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, are now located right outside the Visitor's Center in Hastings, 100 North Shore Drive. Sitting in view of the footprints everyday it is amazing the number of families that pile out of their vehicles

Why Blog?

2007-09-25T13:42:00.000-05:00

I must admit I was skeptical of the blog at first ...After some thought I realized that blogging is a great opportunity for communicating directly with the traveler because it opens the lines of communication. I could tell you everything I know about Hastings but unless I give you (the traveler) the opportunity to ask questions, express your interests and hear what others have to say it really

2007-09-25T13:25:00.000-05:00

Visit Hastings Nebraska!