Around Hastings: First Hello Summer! event draws large crowd to downtown

The Hello Summer! Hastings Main Street Market event on June 25 in Hastings could only be classified as a raging success.

From the very active celebrity dunk tank, to the sold-out signs at several food vendors, those who attended from near and far had an old-fashioned good time.

Big thanks to Great Expectations Realty for sponsoring the dunk tank and to Allyn Dennis for being such an eager “dunkee” to get it all started.

The celebrity dunk tank sponsored by Great Expectations Realty was busy all day during the Hello Summer! Hastings Main Street Market event on June 25 in Hastings. The Rotary Club of Hastings holds a quarterly gathering in downtown Hastings.
The celebrity dunk tank sponsored by Great Expectations Realty was busy all day during the Hello Summer! Hastings Main Street Market event on June 25 in Hastings. The Rotary Club of Hastings holds a quarterly gathering in downtown Hastings.

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With nonstop tunes and entertainment from DJ Danny “Fro,” the atmosphere was nothing but fun. Kids enjoyed face painting and games, and the cupcakes were awesome at the Couture Cupcakes trailer. Good Earth Farm brought fresh eggs and other farm-fresh items with them.

Shoppers scored stained-glass windows and antique tables as well as crafts and artwork. The kids delighted not only in tossing the balls at the dunk tank bullseye, but in playing in the bouncy house sponsored by Island Doctors, as well. Anastasia Mosquito Commission explained some of the science behind mosquito control. The Water Management display is something every one of every age should see to truly understand our relationship with all creatures and systems.

The Rotary Club of Hastings is already working on their plans for the fall festival. One of their ideas is perhaps to host a “Tater and Cabbage Music Festival” to go along with the growing Main Street Market but we’ll have to wait and see what they come up with. One thing is for sure: they love getting folks out to play in the Hastings area. Mark your calendar for Sept. 24 and follow them on Facebook to keep up with the latest news and events.

Flagler Estates emergency meeting

Flagler Estates residents are urged to attend an emergency meeting to discuss recent attacks by roaming canines at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 13, in the Flagler Estates Road and Water Control District Office, 9850 Light Ave. While no residents have been injured, these attacks have escalated and resulted in the death of quite a few pet and farm animals. The board has invited the county commissioners as well as the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office to attend.

Be alert for storms

Severe storm season is upon us. Are you aware of your evacuation zone? Do you have a storm plan including evacuation if necessary? How will you notify family members who might be out of the area? Visit the St. Johns County Emergency Management website for lots of helpful information including checklists, animal welfare plans, shelter, and evacuation information and more! Remember to check sjcemergencymanagement.com.

A free alert service is available through “Alert St. Johns.” All residents of the county can sign up for this service and whenever an emergency situation arises, an alert will go out. If you aren’t signed up, go to bit.ly/3ai4T5V.

Veteran’s Council

The Veteran’s Council meets at 7 p.m. the last Thursday of each month in the Veteran’s Service Center at 200 San Sebastian View in St. Augustine. Keynote speakers present on topics relative to our veterans and military service people. A great way to meet other veterans and learn about all the services available to those who serve and have served this nation.

Back to School event

The Friends of the Hastings Library and Team Up FOCUS Back to School event will be from 9 to 11 a.m. July 23 at the Hastings Branch Library. This year’s format will be in-person, with health services for all ages as well as school supplies for all school-aged children living in the 32145 and 32033 ZIP code areas. Pre-registration is not required but children do need to be present, and attending adults will need to provide identification to get checked-in for supplies.

Nancy Quatrano
Nancy Quatrano

This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: Hastings' Hello Summer! Street Market draws crowd downtown