Downtown Hastings lights up the night for the holidays

HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) - The holiday season is officially underway in Hastings, as of Thursday night, residents lit up the downtown area with the help of Santa Claus and the Kool-Aid Man.

As people get ready to pull up a chair to the Thanksgiving table, the Downtown Hastings Center Association is ringing in the holiday season with the Downtown Celebration of Lights.

The event helped the businesses of downtown gain some exposure from holiday shoppers. It is also Hastings tradition that has carried on for generations.

“We have grandparents who were on the stage when they were young and now they’re bringing their grandchildren down to see it,” Director of the Downtown Hastings Center Association,” Tammy Orthmann said. “I brought my kids down and they sang on the stage, and they did all of the the fun attractions, now they’re grown ups and they bring their kids here.”

Mayor Corey Stutte told Local4 News this event carries a lot of weight in the community.

“This is such a big event there are so many people that show up for this it’s,” Stutte said. “Probably the best family event that we have every year here in Hastings, and it’s just exciting to see everyone come out and support our downtown businesses.”

Orthmann stated that that shopping small is important as we head into the Christmas season, and she invites everyone to downtown on November 25 for Small Business Saturday.

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